Why Wall Insulation is important

We know getting wall insulation can cost a lot and with the cost-of-living crisis, there are tough times ahead. Because of this, Bradford District Credit Union has simplified its loans and introduced money tips for our members.

Wall insulation is important. Heat escapes from uninsulated homes through walls and heat is lost through your home’s loft and roof. Generally, by having the right insulation in your home, you can save energy and therefore reduce your heating bill.

5 issues with poorly insulated homes:

• High energy bills as heat generated inside your house escaping through your walls or loft, thus paying more for your home to stay warm.
• Damp and mold on your walls.
• Rats and mice enter your house through gaps in your walls and roof.
• frozen house pipes and roof causing pipe bursts and broken tiles.
• Fluctuation in house temperature.

What is the best option?

The type of wall insulation includes cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation. It will depend on when your house is built, the location of the walls, and the structure of your house. Usually In the UK, if your house was built from the 1920s onwards it is highly likely to have cavity walls which are made up of two walls and a gap between them. They also consist of full-length bricks.  Solid wall houses were built before the 1920s in the UK usually have an alternating pattern. They consist of no gaps. Because of this, Solid walls can’t use cavity wall insulation

Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity walls are insulated from the outside by a specialist company drilling holes into the outside walls and then the cavity is filled with insulation material. The insulation is then sealed with cement.

Your house may not be suitable for cavity wall insulation or may be at risk of dampness. Hence, it is vital to get a specialist company to survey your home before going forward with getting insulation at your home.

Benefits

• Reduce heating bill
• A warmer home
• Save energy
• Cut your carbon footprint
• Quick and easy installation

Cost

Source: Energy Saving Trust

Solid Wall Insulation

There are two types of solid wall insulations:

Internal Insulation: includes rigid insulation boards fitted into the wall or a stud filled with insulation material formed.

External Insulation includes a fitted insulation material layer to the wall and covered by render or cladding.

 

Read more about Internal and External insulation here.

Benefits

• Cutting out your carbon footprint
• Reducing your heating bill
• A warmer home
• Home protection from heat loss

Cost

For a typical semi-detached, 3-bedroom house in the UK, External insulating costs around £12,000, and £8,500 for internal insulating.

Source: Energy Saving Trust

Helpful tips

If you need help with any home improvements why not have a look at our simplified loans?.

For more helpful tips like this, you can read our first tips and sign up for more