You may have heard a lot about cavity wall insulation. Some homeowners swear by it, while others aren’t quite sure whether it’s worthwhile. But what difference does it really make? In this blog, we explain the benefits, what you need to consider and whether cavity wall insulation is worthwhile for an older home or if you’re only insulating one wall.
The biggest benefit of cavity wall insulation is simple: you can significantly reduce your energy bills. Less heat escapes from your home, meaning you need less energy for heating. This results in immediate energy savings, which you’ll notice in both your energy bills and living comfort.
Cavity wall insulation is also relatively affordable, especially compared with other insulation measures. The average payback period is between 3 and 5 years. In many cases, you may also be eligible for a cavity wall insulation grant, making the investment even more attractive.
For more information, read our blog: “How does cavity wall insulation work?”
There can also be some disadvantages. If your external walls are poorly maintained or the cavity contains debris, installing insulation may cause problems such as moisture build-up. It’s also important to choose the right insulation materials, as not every material is suitable for every type of property. That’s why a thorough inspection beforehand is essential.
Always have your cavity walls inspected before installing insulation. Are the walls in good condition? Is the cavity clean and wide enough? Only then can the cavity be insulated safely and effectively. You should also choose a certified insulation company, such as Pluimers, and ask about the materials and installation methods used. It’s also important to consider the insulation performance and how the cavity wall insulation works alongside other parts of your home, such as window frames and floors.
In principle, yes. For example, if you live in a semi-detached house and only the side wall is not yet insulated, insulating that one wall can still make a noticeable difference. However, the impact will be smaller than insulating all suitable external walls. You’ll generally achieve the greatest benefit by insulating multiple walls at the same time.
Absolutely. Older homes often have little or no home insulation, which can make cavity wall insulation particularly effective. However, your property must have cavity walls. Homes built before 1920 generally do not have them. If your property does have suitable cavity walls, insulation is usually both possible and worthwhile. Combine cavity wall insulation with measures such as HR++ glass and you can make significant improvements to your home’s energy efficiency.
Has your home’s cavity wall already been insulated in the past? Retrofitting cavity wall insulation may still be worthwhile. Older insulation materials can lose some of their effectiveness over time. A thermal imaging camera or endoscopic inspection can be used to determine whether additional insulation is required.
Cavity wall insulation is often a logical first step, but you can also consider roof insulation, floor insulation and replacing your glazing. Combining several measures, such as cavity wall insulation with HR++ glass, can deliver even greater energy savings and improve the comfort of your home.
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