How do I know if my walls need a top-up?
Cold patches on internal walls, a thermal image showing uneven heat loss, or an EPC that says 'filled cavity' when parts of the house feel colder are all signs. Extensions are a common cause: the new wall is insulated as built, but the old wall it joins may have been left partly empty.
When a top-up is not enough
If the existing fill is wet, contaminated with debris or breaking down, adding more on top can make things worse. In that case we tell you the honest option, which may be partial or full removal and refill.
What is included
- Borescope survey at several points
- Map of filled and empty sections
- Targeted fill with a compatible system
- Making good
- Written result with photos
Cavity insulation top-up prices
| Cavity insulation top-up guide prices | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Detached house | £1,295–£2,295 |
| Semi-detached house | £795–£1,495 |
| End-terrace house | £695–£1,295 |
| Detached bungalow | £695–£1,295 |
| Semi-detached bungalow | £595–£995 |
| Mid-terrace house | £595–£995 |
No VAT is charged on installing insulation in homes until 31 March 2027 (then 5%). Guide ranges only: the fixed price is confirmed in writing before any work starts, and anything that could not be seen at survey is agreed with you first.
Rules and funding by nation
The building regulations route and the funding schemes differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The local pages for your area explain the rules where you are; in short:
- England: Filling a cavity is notifiable building work and needs a building notice or competent-person self-certification.
- Wales: Filling a cavity is notifiable work under the Building Regulations as they apply in Wales, usually self-certified through a competent person scheme.
- Scotland: No building warrant is needed for insulation within a wall, but the work must meet the building standards.
- Northern Ireland: Inserting cavity wall insulation needs a building control application to the council before work starts.
Sources: Energy Saving Trust: cavity wall insulation; Planning Portal: cavity wall insulation and building regulations; Welsh Government: building work competent person schemes; HMRC: VAT on energy-saving materials (Notice 708/6).