The benefits of Identifying Cavity Wall Insulation Problems are considerable – it allows your house to retain more heat during the colder months and lower energy bills, all while helping reduce carbon emissions. But the benefits can quickly be undermined by problems with the installation or the condition of the existing insulation.

I have received dozens of letters and emails from readers who have experienced dampness or mold problems following the installation of blown mineral-wool fibre cavity wall insulation. In most cases, the installers and their ‘guarantee’ provider CIGA have refused to acknowledge that cavity wall insulation is the cause of the problem and have blamed the issues on faults in the building or lifestyle condensation (even though the dampness/mold problems did not occur before the CWI was installed).

Detecting Cavity Wall Insulation Issues: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

It’s important to recognize that cavity wall insulation problems are not always caused by the insulation itself but can be down to the property itself, the way it is built or the way the work was carried out. Getting a survey is vital before having cavity wall insulation installed, particularly for older houses in exposed locations – this will help to ensure the property is suitable for insulation and that it is safe to carry out the work.

A survey should check the condition of the outer walls, including a borescope inspection to make sure there are no serious structural issues that would be compromised by the installation or that the cavity is deep enough for effective insulation. It’s also important to choose an installer who has a good reputation and is registered with the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency.