Should I remove my cavity wall insulation?
Remove cavity wall insulation only when a diagnosis shows the fill itself is causing the problem, for example wet, slumped or debris-bridged fill on a wall too exposed for it. Many damp problems in insulated homes come from leaks, defects or condensation, which removal does not fix.
Questions to ask first
- Has anyone taken moisture readings and looked into the cavity with a borescope at the damp areas?
- Have gutters, downpipes, pointing, render and sills been checked and fixed?
- Is there a guarantee, and has the installer or provider been contacted?
- Is the problem across the whole house, or one elevation?
When removal makes sense
Fill that is saturated or breaking down; cavities bridged by debris and fill; walls where the original material was unsuitable for the exposure; or where the cavity needs to be clear for other repairs. Sometimes only one elevation needs extracting.
Be careful with claims companies
Welsh Government guidance warns homeowners to verify any claims management company, check that a solicitor is regulated, avoid signing on the doorstep, and not hand over money or personal details until they are satisfied.
Related services
Sources: Welsh Government: issues arising from cavity wall insulation installations; CIGA: the CIGA guarantee.