Wondering About Your Insulation? Here’s How to Check for Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity wall insulation involves filling the gap (or cavity) between the inner and outer walls of a property with insulating material. This prevents heat from escaping, helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Proper insulation not only improves comfort but also reduces energy consumption, making it an environmentally and financially beneficial choice for homeowners.

We’ll guide you through checking if you have Cavity Wall Insulation, but sometimes you’ll need a professional’s help. We can do this, with a minimally invasive borescope check. We drill a thin hole through the mortar in a section of your wall, into the inner layer. We then use a thin instrument with a camera on the end to check the cavity for insulation. We can see if the insulation is there, and if it’s in good condition. Afterwards we simply patch the hole back up!

To get in touch and request a borescope check or for fresh cavity wall insulation (We can take old insulation out too!), click here.

How to Check if You Have Cavity Wall Insulation

1. Check the Age of Your Property
   Properties built after the 1920s are likely to have cavity walls, while homes built after the 1990s often already include cavity wall insulation. If your home was built in the 1990s or later, there’s a good chance it has insulation, though it’s always worth confirming.

2. Examine the Brick Pattern
   Take a look at the brickwork on the exterior walls of your home. Cavity walls typically have a “stretcher bond” pattern, where bricks are laid lengthwise. Solid walls, on the other hand, often have an “English bond” pattern, where some bricks are laid lengthwise and others crosswise, creating a varied pattern.

3. Look for Small Drill Holes in External Walls
   Cavity wall insulation is often installed through small holes drilled into the exterior wall. These holes, usually filled afterward, are a clear sign that insulation was retrofitted. They can be subtle but are generally visible upon close inspection.

4. Contact Your Local Authority or Builder
   Some local authorities keep records of insulation installations, particularly if it was installed as part of a government-backed energy efficiency scheme. Contacting the builder or previous owners can also provide information about whether insulation was added.

5. Check Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
   An Energy Performance Certificate is required when a property is built, sold, or rented in the UK, and it includes details about the property’s energy efficiency, including insulation status. If you have a recent EPC, it may state whether your home has cavity wall insulation.

6. Hire a Professional Surveyor
   If you’re still unsure, hiring a professional surveyor is a reliable way to confirm the presence of cavity wall insulation. They have the tools and expertise to check your walls without causing any damage, giving you peace of mind.

Benefits of Cavity Wall Insulation

1. Improved Energy Efficiency
   Cavity wall insulation helps prevent heat from escaping through walls, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat your home. This can lead to a noticeable reduction in energy bills.

2. Enhanced Comfort
   Insulated homes maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, providing a more comfortable living environment, especially during winter.

3. Environmental Impact
   By reducing your energy usage, cavity wall insulation lowers your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

4. Increased Property Value
   An energy-efficient home is attractive to buyers and renters, and cavity wall insulation can add value to your property by enhancing its energy performance rating.

5. Reduced Condensation
   While cavity wall insulation isn’t a solution for damp issues, it can help reduce condensation on internal walls by keeping them warmer.

What to Do if Your Home Doesn’t Have Cavity Wall Insulation

1. Check Eligibility for Grants or Subsidies
   Depending on where you live, government schemes and energy providers sometimes offer grants or subsidies to help cover the cost of cavity wall insulation. Check with your local authority or energy supplier to see if you qualify.

2. Get a Quote for Installation
   If you’re interested in adding insulation, get a quote from a qualified insulation provider. The cost can vary depending on the size of your home and the type of insulation used.

3. Consider Alternatives for Solid Walls
   If your property has solid walls instead of cavity walls, external or internal wall insulation options are available. While these can be more costly, they also provide significant energy savings.

4. Regularly Monitor Your Energy Usage
   If insulation isn’t possible at the moment, keeping an eye on your energy usage and making small adjustments—like sealing drafts or using heavy curtains—can still help improve your home’s efficiency.

Conclusion

Knowing whether your home has cavity wall insulation can help you make informed decisions about improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. If you suspect your home isn’t insulated, checking for signs like drill holes, examining your property’s age, or consulting your EPC can provide valuable clues. And if your home doesn’t have insulation, exploring installation options or checking eligibility for grants can be a great next step toward a more energy-efficient home.