Cavity Wall Insulation: Quick, Clean, Cost-Effective & Efficient Way To Insulate Your Home Properly
Why Cavity Wall Insulation?
Cavity Wall Insulation is one of the most cost-effective, efficient, and fast ways to insulate your home properly.
The insulation material is pumped into the internal cavity of the external walls of your home. This type of insulation involves filling the gap or cavity between the two walls. A ‘cavity wall’ consists of two rows of concrete blocks with a cavity or space between them. Injecting insulating products in this space is the best method for insulating this type of wall.
This creates a barrier that effectively stops heat from escaping through the walls of your home to significantly reduce heat loss and improves energy efficiency.
In Ireland, cavity wall insulation is a popular method for improving home insulation, especially in older properties with uninsulated walls and as the SEAI offers grant allowances for this energy upgrade measure under the One Stop Shop service as well as the individual grant route, it is a very popular and effective way to insulate your home.
Of the 3 types of wall insulation available, Cavity Wall Insulation is the most cost-effective way of insulating your home and is equal in terms of U-value when compared with External Wall Insulation. 100mm of Cavity Wall Insulation has the same U-value as 100mm of External Wall insulation in terms of heat retention.
What is the process for Cavity Wall insulation?
The process of Cavity Wall Insulation involves drilling small holes in the external wall and then pumping the insulating material into the cavity using specialist equipment. The holes are then filled and the exterior of the wall is made good.
What materials are used for Cavity Wall Insulation in Ireland?
The insulation material used in cavity walls is usually polystyrene insulation.
How do I know if my home is suitable for Cavity Wall Insulation?
Generally speaking, in Ireland, houses built before 1940 – 1950 would have a solid wall. Empty cavity walls would have been introduced in Ireland in the 50s & 60s and became more popular from the 70s onward. So the year of construction reveals a lot, but a site survey or Home Energy Assessment will clearly determine what type of insulation is best suited to your home.
How long does it take to install Cavity Wall Insulation?
The installation process for cavity wall insulation typically takes 1 to 3 days depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the installation process.
Is Cavity Wall Insulation disruptive to the homeowner?
Cavity wall insulation is quick and clean to install with little or no disruption to the homeowner. The only factor you may need to be aware of is there is some noise and vibration associated with the drilling of the holes.
How much does Cavity Wall Insulation cost?
The cost of cavity wall insulation can vary depending on the size of your home, the quantity of insulation material required, and the complexity of the installation process.
The Downsides to Cavity Wall Insulation
There are very few downsides associated with Cavity Wall Insulation, however, one thing to keep in mind is the noise and vibrational factor associated with drilling the holes. Also, one other thing to mention is, you may have to repaint the house afterward, which is not covered by the grant or by contractors, so it can be an additional expense.
SEAI Grants for Cavity Wall Insulation
The SEAI offers grants for Cavity Wall Insulation under the One Stop Shop service as well as the individual grant route and grant allowances vary depending on the type of property.
Please refer to our Home Owners Guide to Home Energy Upgrades for further details.