Winter will soon envelop the United Kingdom making the need to keep our homes warm and energy-efficient more pressing. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by installing cavity wall insulation into homes that do not have any or have an insufficient amount.
But what exactly does cavity wall insulation do, and why is it so crucial for keeping warmth in your home and money in your wallet, especially during the winter months? And are those reasons science backed or marketing fluff? In this blog, we’ll dive into the actual science behind cavity wall insulation, how it works, and how to keep your home warm and your bank account fuller during the long UK winters.
First: What is Cavity Wall Insulation?
Before we answer, let’s first look at how many homes across the UK are built. Most homes constructed after the 1920s have what’s called “cavity walls.” These are essentially two layers of brick with a gap, or cavity, between them. Originally, these cavities were left empty, but it was soon discovered that this design, while better than solid walls, allowed a significant amount of heat to escape through the gap.
The idea of filling this gap with insulation material to reduce heat loss began to emerge in the 1930s. But it wasn’t until after World War II that an increased focus on improving living and housing conditions in turn led to more focus and experimentation in cavity wall insulation began. However, due to the high cost of cavity wall insulation at the time, not many people opted to install it in their homes.
The energy crisis of the 1970’s and growing awareness of environmental issues led to a significant push for energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings- and thus a more rapid adoption of cavity wall insulation.
But You Still Haven’t Told Us What Cavity Wall Insulation Is?
Now that we have completed a brief history lesson, let’s get into what cavity wall insulation involves. Cavity wall insulation is filling this gap between walls with various insulating material. You can read our blog about the different types of insulation here. This filling drastically reduces the amount of heat that can escape through the walls, keeping your home warm.
Great, Now Show Us the Science
Heat transfer is the process of heat naturally moving from warmer areas to cooler ones. During the winter months, the warmth inside your home tries to escape to the colder outside environment. This is where insulation comes in.
Cavity wall insulation works by trapping air within the insulating material. Air is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it slows down the transfer of heat from the inside to the outside, effectively creating a barrier that significantly reduces the rate of heat loss through your walls.
A Simple Yet Powerful Concept
Without cavity wall insulation, up to 35% of your home’s heat can escape through the walls- taking your money with it. Not only is your home colder but your heating system has to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Insulating your cavity walls can cut heat loss by as much as two-thirds.
What Else Do I Get Besides Warm Toes & a Fatter Wallet?
While the primary function of cavity wall insulation is to retain heat, there are other benefits:
- Show Me the Money: Incase you did not catch it in the above sections, cavity wall insulation can lower your energy bills.
- Love the Earth: Reducing your energy consumption means your home produces fewer carbon emissions, contributing to a reduction in your carbon footprint. Insulating your home is a simple but effective way to be more environmentally responsible.
- Who Likes to be Damp? Professionally installed cavity wall insulation can also help prevent dampness and condensation, common issues in the UK’s wet climate. By keeping the walls warmer, you reduce the likelihood of moisture condensing on the inside surfaces of your walls, which can lead to mold growth, health problems, and structural damage over time.
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
With all the benefits of cavity wall insulation, you may be shocked to learn it isn’t suitable for every home. Most homes built after the 1920s with cavity walls are ideal candidates. However, if your home is older or has solid walls, you might need to explore alternative insulation options like solid wall insulation.
Before proceeding, have a professional survey conducted to check for any existing dampness or structural issues that should be addressed before insulation is installed. Also, get multiple quotes for any projects in your home, including cavity wall insulation.
Wrap it Up Already
Cavity wall insulation is a science-backed way to keep your home warm and energy-efficient this winter. By reducing heat loss, it not only makes your home more comfortable but also helps you save on energy bills and be a good steward of the environment. Don’t wait until temperatures drop, consider cavity wall insulation as a long-term investment in your home’s warmth and sustainability today and stay ahead of the frosty nights.