Insulating your home: a good idea, but are there hidden risks?

Most people would agree that insulating your home is a beneficial thing to do. It saves money on your energy bills, and creates a warm home in the winter and a cooler home in the summer.

But you might have heard some horror stories about insulation that has gone wrong. Some homes have suffered with damp and mould after poor installation jobs, and this has led to costly repairs.

With only a few days left to apply for Government funding to insulate your home, is it worth looking into it, or do the risks outweigh the benefits?

The Great British Insulation Scheme

Great British Insulation Scheme is a Government-funded scheme to support people with insulation for their home. You can get financial support to install cavity wall insulation or loft insulation if you qualify.

However, the scheme closes soon and you must apply before 4pm on 14 October if you want to qualify for the support. You can register through the government’s website.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme

You can get support if your energy performance certificate is of a D to G grade, and you’re in Council Tax bands A-D in England.

Is your home suitable for cavity wall insulation?

Not all homes have cavity walls, and those that do aren’t always suitable for cavity wall insulation.

The Energy Saving Trust says your home will usually be suitable for cavity wall insulation if:

• Its external walls are unfilled cavity walls.
• The cavity is at least 50mm wide.
• The masonry or brickwork of your property is in good condition.
• It was built before 1990 (as most newer homes will have insulation already).

But it also depends on your exposure to the elements. Houses with exposure to wind-driven rain are generally unsuitable for cavity wall insulation. This is because the outer walls get very wet, ad moisture can travel through the insulation to your inner walls.

Benefits of cavity wall insulation in your home

Insulated walls give you a warmer, more comfortable home. The insulation also stops heat escaping so quickly, and leads to savings on your annual energy bills.

And it shouldn’t be cumbersome to install the cavity wall insulation. The process itself is quick, and non-invasive, and with the help of a Government grant, it’s cost effective.

Risks

You might have heard about cavity wall insulation causing damp and mould problems in some homes. This is usually caused by substandard installation.

If the insulation is poorly installed, moisture can travel through the insulation material and collect on the inner wall. Similarly, if the windows or doors aren’t sealed correctly, moisture can seep in from the outer walls. It’s also important to retain sufficient ventilation and make sure the ventilation isn’t blocked during the installation process.

Without proper professional installation, the cavity insulation in the walls could cause damp and mould in your home.

How to do it right

The best way to protect yourself from unwanted consequences is to use a certified installer. You’re looking for someone who is a Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency, or a CIGA-certified installer. That means that they have the training required for these installations, and they have access to industry-standard equipment.

Professional installers will be able to assess your walls to make sure they’re in the right condition for the cavity insulation. They’ll also be able to advise you on the ventilation options, and whether your house is a good candidate for this insulation.

CIGA-certified installers also give you a 25-year guarantee on cavity wall insulation jobs. So even if something goes awry, you shouldn’t have to face the financial burden of rectifying it.

Is insulation a good idea?

Insulating a draughty house is usually a good idea. It’ll make the home more comfortable, and you’ll save on your energy bills. And it’s a good idea to look into it while the Government Scheme is still open because you might be able to get it for free.

 Just be careful about who you ask to do the installation. Make sure they’re CIGA-certified and they’re able to give a guarantee for their work.