Should You Switch from Cavity to External Wall Insulation

Cavity Wall Insulation Dampness Issues

Cavity wall insulation is promoted as one effective measures that are ought to improve energy efficiency of UK households, it does not come as a surprise that added cavity wall insulation has been under inspection over the years. Namely, some complaints were raised by the people that had this type of insulation installed within their homes, referring to serious dampness, mould and condensation issues that were a result of added insulation. Although, government bodies and independent institutions involved in the insulation and energy business have tried to find and show arguments that these two are not anyhow connected, the question still remains – does cavity wall insulation cause damp issues and should it be substituted with alternative insulation methods.

All these complaints and concerns have resulted in a Parliament debate secured by John Denham, MP for Southampton. The debate was oriented towards discussing all the issues that people have had with installed cavity wall insulation as well as resolving some dilemmas regarding the guarantees and responsibilities of government bodies as well as some independent agencies such as CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency). Although it has been indicated that the dampness problems could not have derived from cavity wall insulation, but were rather a result of building defects or lifestyle condensation, the fact remains that these issues appeared upon adding this type of insulation.

Apart from complaints regarding the damp problems, the households that have not experienced these problems did not also notice any improvements in reference to thermal performance and money savings. The reason behind this is the fact that damp and moist insulation material loses its insulation properties and effectiveness. This problem is usually dealt with adding a vapour barrier on the inner side of insulation in order of preventing condensation from appearing, but the problem with cavity wall insulation is that a vapour barrier cannot be fitted into the cavity.

Keeping in mind all the above mentioned, the question on whether any alternatives to cavity wall insulation are available. Actually, all the listed and reported problems with this type of insulation could be avoided with complex external wall insulation systems that take care of each point in adding insulation, including potential damp and condensation issues. These systems include not only insulation products (which can vary depending on the application) but also all other accessories, such as fixings, beads, meshes, primers, renders and adhesives whereas all the components of the system are carefully chosen and combines in order of working well together and ensuring ultimate protection. Right here at Insulation Shop, we offer various combinations of these systems, which include different types of insulation materials such as various types of rigid insulation boards or mineral wool slabs, accompanied by all other necessary materials that will make sure that your household gets the best insulation possible, and not at the cost of having to battle with damp and moisture issues which can seriously damage your property and not to mentioned endanger your health.  

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