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February 18 2012

andremerrill819

external wall insulation

Why do properties possess a cavity?

Prior to 1924, the majority of properties were built without a cavity. This is often called 'solid wall construction'. From 1924 onwards, most properties were built with a cavity or air gap between the two layers of brickwork. A lot of people believe that a cavity was introduced to counteract water from passing in the outside to the inside and therefore filling the cavity with the insulating material will allow this to happen. Properties were built with a cavity because they're cheaper and quicker to produce. If filling the cavity with insulation caused troubles, building regulations (which arrived to effect in 1982) probably would not specify that all innovative properties are fitted with cavity wall insulation. Additionally, if it did produce a significant number of troubles, the Government and Utility Companies would not be spending billions with pounds insulating older properties, as they have done since the late 1990's.

Does cavity wall insulation cause damp?

In the event the property is surveyed properly, cavity wall insulation will not cause damp. Problems can arise if the property is in a great exposed location where rainwater persistently makes contact with the external brickwork. The surveyor will check the exposure and may recommend an alternative product and even advise against having cavity wall insulation installed. If the cavity contains rubble or there are any other 'bridges' across the cavity, damp spots can appear inside property. This is termed cold-bridging because the internal wall surfaces will be colder in these areas. During the survey, a small inspection golf hole is drilled in each wall to ensure that there is no rubble or other obstructions within the cavity. Damaged guttering, drainpipes or brickwork in poor condition can also cause problems but ever again, the surveyor will examine and advise repairs before the work is carried out. If there is witout a doubt damp present, you will need to have this checked and remedied by the builder before having some sort of cavity wall insulation study. Condensation on internal walls brought on by poor ventilation, excess mineral water vapour, etc. can be eliminated or reduced by having cavity wall insulation built in. Loans for cavity wall insulation grants is provided by EON, NPower, Scottish & Northern Energy, Scottish Power, EDF, together with British Gas, among some other utility companies. This comes after the Government's Carbon Emissions Drop Target, or CERT. The uk Government has set targets aimed at reducing carbon emission by 2011 for these companies.

How to Increase your Chances

Grants can be found to domestic UK households, mostly those built between 1924 and 1982. To extend your chances of getting a cavity wall grant, the insulation has to be fitted by an authorised local insulation installer, the insulation must be from the ground floor to the roof, and the right material can be used. To be eligible for the grant, your cavity must be at least 50mm wide along with the brickwork of the property ought to be in good condition.

How to get a Grant

The internet is the best place to apply for a grant. This is because it is convenient since you can apply 24/7, all year round, it is cheap since there are actually no logistical costs, and it is anonymous.

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