Cavity Problem to Be Aware of – Before & After Fitting Insulation

Added: (Thu Nov 12 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Cavity problem is a common issue in buildings and numerous cavity related issues may arise due to that. Originally, cavities were introduced to prevent dampness problems that were prevalent in older buildings with solid brickwork. As those walls would pass dampness from outer leaves to the inner leaves, these two leaves were considered to separate by keeping a 50mm gap in between. In the middle of 1990, a government sponsored study has found out that filling up cavities in the walls reduces the incidences of dampness that may occur in the cavity walls. Comparative studies taken on effects and incidences of dampness, condensation, rain penetration etc., in filled and unfilled cavity walls advocate insulation can improve efficiency o f buildings to avoid such problems.



The ratio of incidence of cavity problem pertinent to dampness varies in un insulated and insulated walls substantially. Before filling home insulation, cavity problem such as condensation occurs in 14% and dampness in 8%. After filling cavities with insulation materials, the walls can reduce condensation related problem from 14% to 10% and reduces dampness from 8% to 3.5%.



Cavity problem that may affect insulation process and effects must be addressed before application. Such problems can be –



• Existing dampness in the internal walls

• If the walls are suffering from rain penetration

• Constructional or structural defects

• Penetrations of the external wall such as air ventilators or flues




Cavity problems usually result from lack of maintenance, structural problems and when the walls were not constructed properly. Cavity issues are most likely due to the following –



• Bad pointing

• Spalled brickwork

• Rubbles at the bottom of cavities

• Mortar droppings existing on the wall ties resulted in due to poor construction

• Poor ventilation

• Thermal bridges such as concrete lintels, bridges where the cavities are closed at eaves level providing colder surfaces

• Missing of damp proof courses



In such cases of constructional or cavity problem, providing insulation can be good remedy.







cavity wall insulation, home insulation.