How Do I Know If I Have Cavity Wall Insulation?
This is part of our complete overview of cavity wall insulation.
In Scotland, where the climate can be harsh and unpredictable, knowing that your home is properly insulated is key to maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. But you don’t want to waste time looking into cavity wall insulation if your home already has it. Finding out requires a bit of detective work.
Identifying Cavity Walls in Your Home
The first step is to determine if your home has cavity walls. These walls are made up of two brick layers with a gap, the cavity, between them. This construction style is common in houses built in the UK after the 1920s. One way to check is by looking at the brickwork. If the bricks are all laid lengthwise, it's likely your home has cavity walls. If all the bricks are randomly spaced out and are different sizes, it is unlikely that your home has cavity walls. Also, measuring the width of the wall near a door or window could give you a clue. If it's more than 260mm, it probably has a cavity.
Telltale Signs of Bore Holes
One of the most visible signs of cavity wall insulation is the presence of boreholes. These small holes are drilled into the external walls for the insulation material to be injected. After the process, these holes are filled in, but you might still be able to spot them, often in a grid pattern, on the exterior of your house.
Age of Your Home: A Historical Indicator
The age of your property can often indicate whether it's likely to have cavity wall insulation. Homes built in Scotland from the 1990s onward generally do have this insulation as a standard feature. For older buildings, particularly those constructed between the 1920s and the 1980s, cavity wall insulation may have been added at a later date.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is another valuable resource. The EPC provides detailed information about a property’s energy usage and costs and includes specific information about its insulation. Reviewing your EPC can offer insights into whether your home has cavity wall insulation.
Technical Surveys
A technical survey using a borescope can be conducted. This involves inserting a small camera into the wall through a drilled hole, allowing for a visual inspection of the cavity. This method can confirm the presence or absence of insulation.
Visual Inspections - A DIY Approach
Apart from professional assessments, homeowners can conduct a basic visual inspection themselves. Check for signs of insulation material around the walls, particularly near the eaves, or look for patched areas where boreholes might have been filled in. This method, while not foolproof, can give you a general idea.
Understanding Insulation Material Varieties
Knowing what type of insulation material was used is also beneficial. Common materials include mineral wool, polystyrene beads and foam. Each has distinct characteristics and levels of effectiveness which might influence your decision on whether to update or replace your current insulation.
Reach Out to MPC Energy for Expert Advice
If you're still uncertain about the insulation status of your walls or are considering updating your existing insulation, MPC Energy can offer expert advice. We can help you navigate the options available for your specific home and provide guidance on the best course of action. And if your home qualifies for free insulation from the GBIS, ECO4 or LA Flex schemes, we can also handle the applications for you.
Where to Start
With over three decades of expertise in energy efficiency, MPC Energy Ltd stands as a top-rated installer of home energy upgrades across the UK. Our skilled teams specialise in insulation, heating, and renewable solutions, utilising premium products from leading manufacturers. We're committed to enhancing overall home efficiency, delivering top-notch workmanship, and unparalleled customer service. Having completed numerous installations nationwide, we continue to expand, providing retrofit assessments and implementing energy-efficient measures under the Energy Company Obligation scheme, catering to both government-supported and self-financed customers. Based in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, our reach extends across the UK with teams in various locations.
For more information about our services, contact us via our website or call to speak to one of our energy consultants at +44 141 951 7887.
