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How to Check Cavity Wall Insulation in Your Home
- Cavity wall insulation can reduce up to 33% of heat loss in your home, saving you as much as £405 annually on energy bills for a detached house.
- To check if your home has cavity wall insulation, look for small filled holes in the exterior walls, examine the brick pattern, or review your EPC certificate for details about insulation upgrades.
- Protect your cavity wall insulation by regularly monitoring indoor temperatures, checking for signs of dampness, and ensuring the exterior walls remain free from cracks or damage.
Cavity wall insulation is one of the most popular ways to enhance energy efficiency, with 71% of UK homes featuring cavity walls. This widespread adoption is no surprise, as cavity walls deliver excellent thermal performance, cutting heat loss by up to 33% and saving homeowners as much as £405 annually on energy bills for a detached house.
Since the 1990s, UK building regulations have made cavity wall insulation mandatory to reduce carbon emissions and help households lower energy costs. However, a common question for many homeowners is, “How do I know if I have cavity wall insulation?” Understanding whether your insulated walls can help maximise energy savings and avoid potential problems.
In this WhatCost guide, we’ll explore exactly how to check cavity wall insulation, including how to determine if your home has cavity walls, verify their insulation, and monitor their condition to spot any signs of damage before they escalate.
Are you ready to insulate your cavity walls, or are you exploring alternatives to cavity wall insulation? Either way, you’re in the right place. At WhatCost, we connect you with top-rated insulation specialists in your area who can help you choose the best insulation method for your home.
Fill out our quick 30-second form, and we’ll provide up to four free, no-obligation quotes. Click below to start and take the first step toward a more energy-efficient home!
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How can you tell if you have cavity wall insulation?
To check if you have cavity wall insulation, look for small, evenly spaced drill holes on the outside walls, usually filled with mortar. Inside, your walls should feel warmer to the touch. You can also consult building plans or hire a professional surveyor to confirm if insulation is present.
However, there are other methods to identify wall cavity insulation in your home. Here are some additional ways to answer the question, "How do I know if my house has cavity wall insulation?":
- Age of your house: Homes constructed after the 1920s usually feature cavity walls; however, insulation was not mandatory until the 1990s. If your home was built during this period, it may lack sufficient insulation or not have any at all, which could impact its thermal efficiency.
- Check the brick pattern: If you're unsure whether your wall is a cavity or solid wall, you can check by looking at the brick pattern. Cavity walls typically have an even brick pattern, with all the bricks laid lengthwise. In contrast, solid walls usually have an uneven brickwork pattern.
- Review EPC certificate: EPC certificates indicate your home's energy rating and provide a history of insulation upgrades. Check this document to see if any insulation updates were made before your purchase.
- Contact previous owners: If you've recently purchased your home, contact the previous owners. They may know if cavity wall insulation was installed and when.
- Hire a professional surveyor: To get a definitive answer, consider hiring a professional who can inspect your walls with specialised tools, such as a borescope camera, to confirm the presence of insulation. Depending on your location, this service typically costs between £150 and £300.
To secure the best deal on professional surveys or the proper installation of cavity wall insulation, comparing quotes from multiple companies is crucial. However, this process can be time-consuming and may not ensure you’re working with CIGA-certified professionals who offer a 25-year guarantee on their work.
Thankfully, WhatCost makes it easy. With our quick 30-second form, you’ll receive up to four free quotes from trusted providers—no hidden costs or obligations. Why wait? Click below to get started!
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How to check if your cavity wall insulation is in good condition
Discovering that you have cavity wall insulation is a great first step, but ensuring it’s still performing effectively is just as important. Over time, insulation can degrade, become less efficient, or even cause issues if damaged. Here’s how to check its condition:
- Check for damp: Cavity wall damp patches, peeling paint or mould can indicate that the insulation is in poor condition.
- Monitor indoor temperature: If your home feels colder than usual or your energy bills are rising, it may be a sign that your insulation isn’t performing as it should.
- Inspect exterior walls: Inspect your walls for cracks or damage that could compromise insulation. The outer wall is vital in keeping your insulation dry and effective. Any cracks or damage should be repaired promptly to prevent moisture from affecting the insulation's performance.
- Higher energy bills: If your energy bills have increased over time despite using the same amount as usual, it could indicate that your insulation is damaged or poorly installed, as properly installed cavity wall insulation should provide effective thermal efficiency.
- Consult with a professional: A qualified surveyor can use specialised tools to assess the insulation’s condition. They can also answer questions like “How long does cavity wall insulation last?” and provide recommendations for repairs or replacements.
If you suspect issues or want to ensure your insulation is still effective, comparing quotes from CIGA-certified professionals is the best way forward. With cavity wall insulation prices varying by provider, WhatCost makes it easy to find a trusted expert. Fill out our quick 30-second form to receive up to four free quotes today—no obligation, just peace of mind. Click below to get started!
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FAQ
- Describe your needs
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- Choose the best offer