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Does Cavity Wall Insulation Cause Damp?
Cavity wall insulation is a common method used to reduce heat loss in buildings. It involves filling the gap between the internal and external walls with insulating material.
The material used for cavity wall insulation includes rockwool, polystyrene beads, close-cell spray foam insulation, and mineral fibre insulation. The aim of cavity wall insulation is to reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the walls, resulting in energy savings for the homeowner.
However, there is a common misconception that cavity wall insulation causes damp in buildings. In this blog post, we will explore whether or not cavity wall insulation causes damp.
What is Cavity Wall Insulation?
Cavity wall insulation involves filling the gap between the internal and external walls of a building with insulating material. The material used for cavity wall insulation includes rock wool, polystyrene beads, close-cell spray foam insulation, and mineral fibre insulation.
The aim of cavity wall insulation is to reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the walls, resulting in energy savings for the homeowner. This is achieved by reducing the transfer of heat from inside the building to the outside, and vice versa.
The use of cavity wall insulation has increased in recent years due to the rising cost of energy bills and the need to reduce carbon emissions. According to the Energy Saving Trust, cavity wall insulation can save homeowners up to £690 per year on their energy bills.
Types of Cavity Wall Insulation
There are several types of cavity wall insulation, including:
- Rock wool: This is a type of insulation made from volcanic rock, which is melted and spun into fibers.
- Polystyrene beads: This type of insulation involves injecting polystyrene beads into the cavity, which then expand to fill the gap.
- Close-cell spray foam insulation: This is a type of insulation that is applied as a liquid and then expands to fill the cavity.
- Mineral fibre insulation: This is a type of insulation made from mineral wool, which is blown into the cavity using a machine.
Do Different Types of Cavity Wall Insulation Cause Damp?
There is a common misconception that cavity wall insulation causes damp in buildings. This is not entirely true. While there have been cases where cavity wall insulation has caused damp, this is usually due to poor installation or incorrect material selection.
Different types of cavity wall insulation have different properties, and therefore some types may be more prone to causing dampness than others.
For example, mineral wool has been known to cause damp if they become waterlogged. This can happen if they are not installed correctly, or if there is a problem with the external wall that allows water to penetrate the cavity. If it becomes wet, it can lose its insulating properties and become a breeding ground for mould.
However, if cavity wall insulation is installed correctly using the appropriate material for the building and the external walls are properly maintained, there should be no issues with damp.
In fact, cavity wall insulation can actually help prevent damp by reducing the amount of condensation that forms on the internal walls.
The Importance of Ventilation
One of the main reasons why cavity wall insulation can cause dampness is due to a lack of ventilation. Ventilation is essential to prevent dampness in buildings.
It allows moisture to escape and ensures that the air inside the building is fresh and healthy.
When cavity wall insulation is installed, it can reduce the amount of natural ventilation that occurs in the building. This can lead to an increase in humidity levels, which can cause damp.
To prevent this, it is important to ensure that the building has adequate ventilation. This can be achieved by installing extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, opening windows regularly, and ensuring that air vents are not blocked.
It is also important to ensure that the external walls of the building are well maintained. If there are any cracks or gaps in the walls, water can penetrate the cavity and cause dampness.
It is therefore essential to regularly check the external walls and repair any damage as soon as it is identified.
How to Identify Damp
Damp problems can be identified by the appearance of black mold on walls, ceilings, or floors. It can also be identified by a musty smell, peeling wallpaper, or damp patches on walls. If you suspect that there is damp in your building, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
If you have cavity wall insulation installed, it is important to check for any signs of dampness regularly. This can be done by inspecting the internal walls for any signs of moisture or mold.
If you notice any issues, it is important to contact a professional to investigate the cause and recommend the appropriate solution.
In conclusion, cavity wall insulation does not cause dampness in buildings. However, poor installation or incorrect material selection can lead to dampness. Different types of cavity wall insulation have different properties, and therefore some types may be more prone to causing damp than others.
Cavity wall insulation is an effective method of reducing heat loss in buildings and can result in energy savings for homeowners.
However, it is essential to ensure that the installation is carried out by a registered installer correctly using the appropriate material and that the building has adequate ventilation. With proper installation and maintenance, cavity wall insulation should not cause damp in buildings.
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