If you go to frigid regions frequently, you'll note that the icy cold frequently has little impact on a building's or home's pleasant, warm interiors. That is the secret of cavity walls' magic—a building technique that evenly retains heat between two layers of walls. But hold on! Cavity walls are more complex than we realise. This is a brief overview of the energy-saving benefits cavity walls may provide your winter home.

The idea of hollow walls originated in the 1800s, and they were constructed with more insulation than traditional masonry walls. The idea was to make an empty area between two wall levels. The ideal approach to enclose thermal insulation was achieved by sandwiching the insulation materials between the two stone walls.

Today, hollow walls are still in high demand due to their superior resistance to heat and moisture. In order to keep your little nook toasty and warm, we start this post with going over the fundamentals of cavity walls, including their types, purposes, benefits, and disadvantages.

A cavity wall: what is it?

A gap or cavity divides two masonry layers, or leaves, that make up a cavity wall. By limiting the flow of heat and moisture between a building's interior and outside, the design seeks to improve insulation.

Brick or stone often make up the exterior layer, also referred to as the outer leaf, while concrete blocks or bricks make up the interior layer, sometimes referred to as the inner leaf. To improve thermal efficiency, insulating material, such as expanding foam, glass fibre wool, or mineral wool, is inserted into the space between the two leaves. That implies lower energy costs for homes with hollow walls. This may greatly assist houses and buildings in reducing carbon emissions from air conditioners and heaters, especially in light of the rapid rise in global warming.

Here's a fun tidbit, though: hollow walls not only save your energy costs but also raise the value of your house. A few other advantages that hollow walls can offer your house are discussed in the section below.

Benefits and drawbacks of hollow walls

The following table presents a side-by-side comparison to assist you in comprehending the advantages and disadvantages of cavity walls.

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Advantages

Disadvantages

Better insulation, such as cavity walls, may cut down on heat loss in buildings by up to 35%. As a result, energy consumption is reduced and utility expenses are avoided.

Cavity wall insulation installation and manufacture can affect the environment, particularly if the materials are not acquired responsibly.

Better rainfall drainage is made possible by the space between the walls, which also keeps moisture from penetrating the inner walls and creating dampness.

Cavity walls are susceptible to condensation, which can result in moisture and possible mould growth if they are not well insulated or vented.

By blocking out outside noise, cavity walls provide a calmer and quieter interior atmosphere.

Cavity wall retrofitting is less practical for older buildings since it may be difficult and expensive.

Compared to solid walls, cavity walls have better fire protection because the air gap prevents flames from spreading.

The construction of cavity walls necessitates highly trained workers and careful installation to provide adequate insulation without creating structural issues.

Even though they cost more to build initially, cavity walls save money over time by requiring less energy and upkeep.

To maintain the integrity of the insulation and stop problems from developing, cavity walls need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

Different kinds of insulation for hollow walls

Now that we are aware of the benefits and drawbacks, let's examine the various cavity wall insulation solutions on the market.

·         Glass or rock fibres are among the natural or recycled materials used to make mineral wool insulation. Mineral wool insulation is well-known for its superior thermal and acoustic qualities. It offers effective insulation with a thermal conductivity of around 0.035 W/mK. Furthermore, insulation made of mineral wool is non-flammable and resistant to mildew and vermin.

·         Expanded polystyrene beads are used to make polystyrene bead insulation, sometimes referred to as EPS bead insulation. It swells to fill the hole after being injected as a liquid. This kind of insulation has strong thermal qualities, is water-resistant, and is lightweight. It is also a reasonably priced cavity wall insulation alternative.

·         Polyurethane foam insulation: Because of its exceptional air-sealing qualities and great thermal resistance, polyurethane foam insulation is a popular option for cavity wall insulation. When sprayed as a liquid, it expands to cover the space and provide a smooth layer of insulation. Insulation made of polyurethane foam is very efficient because of its low thermal conductivity, which is around 0.023 W/mK.

·         Rigid foam insulation with exceptional thermal performance is called phenolic foam insulation. With a thermal conductivity of around 0.018 W/mK, phenolic foam insulation stands out among the most effective cavity wall insulation materials on the market. Additionally, it has exceptional moisture resistance and is fire-resistant.

·         Expanded polystyrene insulation, also referred to as EPS insulation, is a reasonably priced and lightweight alternative to cavity wall insulation. It is moisture-resistant and has strong thermal insulation qualities. To accommodate a range of cavity sizes, expanded polystyrene insulation is offered in varying thicknesses.

However, it is crucial to take into account aspects like the age and condition of your building, the size of the hollow, and your budget before selecting a kind of cavity wall insulation.

Optimal cavity wall placement

Cavity walls should ideally span the entire ground to ceiling by rising from the ground to the slope or flat roof. The age of the property and the extent to which a hollow wall may be placed in the case of older structures are two examples of the elements that may affect the placement of the cavity walls. Furthermore, where the hollow wall is built within the structure determines how it should be positioned. Three main examples of how to arrange your cavity walls are shown below.

Door cavity wall placement

Making ensuring the cavity is correctly aligned with the door frame is crucial when it comes to cavity wall alignment in doors. This stops any possible water intrusion and preserves the door's structural integrity. It is recommended that the cavity diameter be around 50 mm to provide for sufficient insulation.

The location of cavity walls in roofs

When it comes to the placement of cavity walls in roofs, the roof's pitch and slope must be taken into account. Rainwater should be able to properly drain into the hollow at its intended location. The cavity width should also be adequate to stop heat loss and offer insulation.

The location of cavity walls in parapet walls

Walls that extend over the rooftop are known as parapet walls. The placement of cavity walls in parapet walls is essential for guaranteeing the wall's stability and preventing any water intrusion. A cavity diameter of around 75 mm will provide for adequate area for insulation and minimise thermal bridging.

Maintaining a building's insulation and structural integrity requires proper placement of the hollow walls. It guarantees the lifespan of the building and aids in the prevention of moisture and heat loss.

In tropical regions, where they retain warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer, cavity walls can also be beneficial. However, because construction of cavity walls must be done precisely to achieve optimal insulation without harming the existing structure, it requires top-notch personnel. Because of this, a qualified contractor can assist you in making an informed choice based on your unique needs.