Solid wall insulation
Insulation for older homes that don't have cavity walls.
Solid wall insulation adds a layer of insulating material to either the exterior or interior walls of a house. This can help to retain heat and keep cold air out, reducing your energy bills whilst making your home more comfortable and more energy efficient.
Solid wall insulation is particularly beneficial for older properties (typically built before 1920) that may not have cavity walls. It could also benefit some non-standard construction homes, including those built with timber or steel frames.
If you’re unsure whether your home has solid or cavity walls, you can often tell by looking at the pattern of the brickwork. Properties with solid walls often have an alternating pattern of bricks, showing both the long and short sides of the bricks. Cavity walls usually have a more uniform pattern, with all the bricks laid lengthways. If your walls are covered with render, cladding or another external finish, you should seek advice from a qualified professional. You can find qualified professionals by visiting the TrustMark website.
Repair works
Before solid wall insulation is installed, it’s important that any existing defects are repaired. This could include repairing gutters and downpipes, roof defects, or damaged brickwork. Carrying out these repairs beforehand helps to prevent water becoming trapped within the wall structure, which could lead to damp and mould problems and affect the performance of the insulation.
Ventilation
As solid wall insulation makes your home more airtight, it’s also important that there is adequate ventilation at the property to prevent the build-up of moisture. In some cases, installers may recommend improvements such as trickle vents in windows or upgraded extractor fans to help manage moisture levels inside the home. Existing ventilation features, such as airbricks and wall vents, should not be blocked or removed as part of the installation.
Planning permission
If you live in a listed building, a conservation area, or the work will change the external appearance of your home, planning permission may be required. Before carrying out any work, you should seek advice from your Local Planning Authority. If you’re unsure who your Local Planning Authority is, you can find this information through the Planning Portal.