Many homes have cavity walls that can be filled with insulating material to help keep heat inside the home. This helps reduce energy usage and cuts carbon emissions.
1. Find a reputable installer.
Look for an installer that is registered with Kiwa, CIGA or NIA. Their membership will allow them to provide a 25-year guarantee for your installation.
Pre-installation assessment
Having your home’s cavity wall insulated can save you money on energy bills and help reduce carbon emissions. But it’s important to choose a professional installer who will carry out a pre-installation assessment to ensure your home is suitable for cavity wall insulation. This will include checking the walls are in good condition and free of damp before starting work. An installer should also explain the benefits and costs of cavity wall insulation.
Cavity wall insulation
A cavity wall is a wall made of two separate brick walls with a gap in between, known as the ‘cavity’. Most homes built after 1920 have cavities, but older houses may have solid walls.
Cavity wall insulation is installed by drilling a series of small holes, which are then blown with insulation material using special equipment. The holes are then filled in to match the surrounding brickwork, making the installation process fairly quick and simple. It’s recommended that a registered installer carry out the work, as they’ll be insured and have the necessary experience to get the job done properly.
Before choosing an installer it’s worth checking they’re a member of the National Insulation Association, the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency or the British Board of Agrement. They should also be able to provide references from previous customers and proof of insurance. A reputable installer should also be able to give you a 25-year guarantee on the work they do.
Energy-saving vouchers
If you’re looking to improve your home’s insulation, it’s worth checking if you qualify for any financial incentives. For example, in England you could receive up to PS5,000 in Green Homes Grant scheme vouchers that can be used towards the cost of making your home more energy efficient.
The Green Homes Grant scheme runs until 2020. You can apply online or visit your local authority to find out more.
Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, you should check that the installer is registered with one of the following trade bodies: Kiwa CWI, NIA and CIGA. This will ensure that they’re competent to carry out the work and have been trained in best practice.
The Energy Saving Trust recommends that homeowners recover the cost of installing cavity wall insulation within five years of completion through savings on their energy bills. Similarly, landlords should be able to make back the money invested in improving their property through rental income.
Up to a third of heat is lost through uninsulated walls. The installation of cavity wall insulation can be an effective way to cut your energy bills and boost your home’s value. You can usually expect to see a reduction in your energy bills of around £245 per year. A reputable installer should be able to install the insulation in your home in around two hours and should clean up any mess they make.cavity wall installer
