Cavity insulation is a type of home insulation that is installed between the wall studs. It is a relatively common option that helps to regulate the temperature in your home, making it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It also reduces noise from outside.
There are a number of materials used for cavity wall insulation. Some of these include expanded polystyrene beads and cellulose. The beads are inserted into the wall cavities through holes (typically around the size of a ten pence piece) that are drilled into the brickwork at regular intervals. A telescopic lance is often used to allow the beads to be blown into even hard-to-reach places. Other materials, such as mineral wool and rigid phenolic foam are also available.
The insulating properties of cavity walls depend on the quality of the materials and the method of installation. The use of low density fibres can lead to gaps and voids, which in turn reduce the performance of the insulation. This is because the air moving through these gaps will effectively subvert the insulating function of the material.
In addition, the insulation must be installed by a registered contractor who is a member of the Green Homes Grant scheme. In some cases, cavity insulation may not be possible, for example if the wall cavities are damp or have been contaminated with building debris. For this reason, it is vital that you have your house surveyed before committing to a new-build or retrofit project that involves the installation of cavity wall insulation.
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