How Do I Know If I Have Cavity Wall Insulation?
How Do I Know If I Have Cavity Wall Insulation?
A way to tell if you have a cavity wall or not is to check the brickwork on the outside of your home. If your home has cavity walls, the bricks will usually have a regular pattern. If the brickwork has been covered by render, you can also tell by measuring the width of the wall. This can be done by examining a window or door on one of your external walls. If a brick wall is more than 3000mm thick, (from the outer wall to inner wall) then it probably has a cavity; a narrower wall is probably solid. Stone walls may be thicker still but are usually solid.
If your house is a steel-frame or timber-framed building, or is made from prefabricated concrete, different rules apply for insulation and this should be surveyed by a specialist before any insulation is fitted. If you are unsure, we always recommend speaking to an expert. A lot of contractors should have fitted special air vents as below, which can be a good sign that you have cavity wall insulation fitted and to a good standard of quality work.
What are Cavity Walls?
Cavity wall insulation is an insulating material which is placed in the gap between the inner and outer wall of your property, making it more energy-efficient. Our preferred insulating material is a bonded EPS bead system due to its durability, low thermal conductivity and moisture resistance.
What is EPS
EPS is a lightweight cellular material consisting of fine spherical shaped particles which are 98% air and 2% polystyrene. This expandable polystyrene is a rigid cellular plastic containing an expansion agent called pentane. It has low thermal conductivity, which makes the material have a long term R-value, meaning it is resistant to heat flow and an ideal product for thermal insulation. Low Water Absorption: EPS bead does not absorb moisture and its thermal properties are not affected by damp, humidity or moisture. Its closed-cell means it cannot absorb water and the bead will maintain its shape, size, structure and appearance.
Other Ways Of Checking
By checking your home's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC should tell you what type of walls your property has. It will typically state whether they are of a cavity or solid construction. If you cannot locate your EPC at home then you can check using your postcode on the Governments EPC Register. The EPC may also state that the property is timber or steel framed. It can also show two different types of wall which often happens where there is an extension or conservatory.
M3 Energy Scotland
So if your home was built after the 1920s, the chances are that it’s got cavity walls. And unless it was built within the last 20 years, those cavities are probably empty. We hope that you found this blog useful. If you would like to find out if you have a cavity wall or not, call us today. We have many years of experience and look forward to answering any questions you may have. Contact us today on 0800 433 2295 or fill in our contact form.