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What is Cavity Wall Insulation?
In principle, this is a good concept. It has a positive environmental impact by reducing energy wastage.
Cavity wall insulation is the process of insulating the 50mm gap that exists in most structures between the outside wall and the interior of the building.
As we have all become acutely aware of our impact on the environment, there has been a significant rise in the number of people trying to improve the heat efficiency of their property.
The process involves injecting the wall with substances such as bead polystyrene, foam, or even mineral wool fibre. This creates a barrier that retains much of the heat and potentially reduces costs.
Problems with Cavity Wall Insulation
The biggest issue with Cavity Wall Insulation is poor installation. Some structures don’t lend themselves to this treatment, and it is often the case that issues with the external wall can lead to problems internally.
A weakness in the external brickwork can act as a bridge for water to make its way into the building and attack cavity wall insulation. This water migration onto the internal skin of the construct can often lead to decorative spoiling.
Similarly, problems with defective rainwater goods can put a strain on the external wall, leading to issues with penetrating damp.
If you have a problem with your cavity wall insulation, you will see telltale signs of damp inside the property. Whether it manifests itself as black mould or excessive condensation, it is a problem that needs addressing.
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Preventing damp from Cavity Wall Insulation
Most modern houses will have cavity wall insulation. The best way to prevent any problems from occurring is to regularly check the external walls. This is where any potential issues will arise.
If your property is well sheltered by other buildings, trees or other foliage; if it is subject to regular wind and driving rain, or if there are weaknesses in the external brickwork, then get an expert in to check your exposure.
If you can catch the problem early enough, you should be able to avoid the inevitable penetrating damp and a costly repair.
At the same time, if your property has a cavity construct that has no cavity wall insulation, and you have no damp issues, don’t feel the need to have it installed. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
The team at South East Timber and Damp has many years of experience dealing with these issues and is well qualified (Certified Surveyor in Remedial Treatment) with our trade body’s endorsement, the Property Care Association.
We apply our expertise to find the source of your damp problems – and to devise long-term solutions
Water ingress is the process of water moving between the external and internal walls. For more, click below.
Cavity Wall Insulation Case Studies
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