Cavity Wall Insulation Grants

Having Cavity Wall Insulation professionally installed can help to reduce the amount of heat lost in your home by up to 35%. If you are aged 70 or over or you receive a qualifying benefit, you could be entitled to free Cavity Wall Insulation. All other home owners and private tenants can still receive a grant of up to 70%.

The UK Government have set the six major utility companies a target to reduce carbon emissions in households by 2012. The scheme is known as CERT and is available to occupiers of private domestic households. Our Insulation page contains more information on how to qualify for a Cavity Wall Insulation grant.

What Is Cavity Wall Insulation?

If your home has cavity walls, insulation can be fitted between the two layers of brickwork or between brick and breeze block. The material typically used by installers on the grant scheme is a shredded mineral wool (glass fibre). Small holes are drilled through the T joints in the mortar and the insulation is blown in. Once the cavity is filled to the correct density, the machine cuts off. The insulation must be installed from the bottom of the walls to the top so if you live in a flat, your neighbours above and/or below will also need insulation.

Is Your Property Suitable For Cavity Wall Insulation?

Most properties constructed from 1924 onwards were built of two layers of brickwork separated by a cavity. The two brick layers are tied together using wire to prevent the walls from buckling. Prior to 1924, the walls were of solid construction type with no cavity. The bricks were turned inwards to tie the two layers together. The reason for the change to cavity construction was purely down to cost because it was cheaper to build a cavity wall than a solid wall. Another good indicator is that a cavity wall will be at least 10.5" thick.

In 1982, a change to building regulations meant that all properties were required to have cavity wall insulation installed from new. Some builders continued to construct houses without insulating them but the vast majority complied with the new regulation. If your property was built from 1982 onwards, you need to be 100% sure that it does not already have cavity insulation before applying for a grant. A good indication is whether your neighbours in similar properties have had the work carried out.

In addition to making sure your property is not brick-tied and that insulation was not installed from new, there are several other considerations. The walls should not have any visible signs of damp, either inside or out. The bricks and mortar should be in good condition with no cracks or other damage present. The construction type must be brick or brick & block and should not be timber framed, steel framed or concrete. If you live in a flat, your neighbours will also have to have the insulation fitted.

Checklist For Cavity Wall Insulation

Property was constructed between 1924 and 1982.
No 'brick ends' are present in the brick pattern.
No signs that the work has been done already.
No damp present, either inside or outside.
No significant damage to the bricks or mortar.
Property not timber frame, steel frame or concrete.
Neighbours above and/or below agree if it's a flat.

Cavity Wall Insulation Savings

Installing Cavity Wall Insulation can reduce up to 35% of the heat in your home from being lost. You will not need your heating turned on as often and it can be run for shorter periods. This can save you up to £115 per year on fuel bills. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions will also be reduced by up to 610kg per. year.