There are many advantages to cavity wall insulation and it has grown popular in Irish households in recent years. This form of insulation is installed mainly for the reduction of heat loss that is escaping through the cavity between the walls. Homeowners have seen a reduction in heat loss, the prevention of mould and even cheaper utility bills. It is also used to act as a shield to prevent rainwater from penetrating the external walls and making its way into the home.
Although there are many pros regarding this type of insulation, there are a few problems our specialists come across quite often.
Concerns Related to Cavity Wall Insulation
The main concern with cavity wall insulation is trapping moisture. The primary reason for a wall cavity was to create a space for water that penetrates the external brick layer to flow and exit the wall through weeps. When the cavity is filled with insulation it makes it difficult for the water to escape. Some walls which are particularly porous, or are built in areas with very heavy, horizontal rain patterns, and therefore should not have their cavities filled.
It is important to make sure the type of insulation isn’t porous or it will trap moisture and hence create condensation and mould internally.
Are You Experiencing a Sudden Increase in Condensation
Many people complain that, following cavity wall insulation, they start experiencing a sudden increase in condensation. They put it down less breathability so they try to compensate by opening windows to dry out their rooms and don’t always report it to the installers in the early months following the installation. However, this extra condensation dripping from their ceilings and walls is often due to rainwater penetrating via the cavity and can lead to the development of mould.
Are Your Utility Bills Still High
Sometimes people don’t notice any visible signs of dampness. Instead, they experience higher fuel bills as their homes get noticeably colder. This is because when some types cavity wall insulation (e.g. blown mineral wool fibre) gets in contact with moisture it loses all its insulation properties.Study’s carried out by damp specialists using thermal-imaging have found that although two-thirds of homes are well insulated with cavity insulation, one-third have damp or missing insulation resulting mould, condensation and higher utility bills.
Where there are gaps of missing insulation, homeowners will experience condensation and mould on the internal walls. Often obstructions will catch the insulation when being pumped and prevent it from filling the cavity entirely. Another issue that is common is the insulation sinking to the bottom of the cavity and creating cold areas at the top if the walls near the ceilings or around window reveals which also promotes condensation and mould growth.
What We Recommend
We would always advise contacting the company who installed the cavity wall insulation to inform them of the issues that you are experiencing. If they don’t accept responsibility and rectify the problem we, at Acorn Property Preservation, provide a Damp and Timber Property Survey Nationwide Service that can pinpoint your problem areas with the use of our latest technology devices. We can save you money and hassle by providing you with step by step recommendations to solving your insulation problems.
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