Is building regulations required for cavity wall insulation?

The installation of cavity wall insulation is specifically defined as notifiable building work in the Building Regulations. The Building Regulations require that the insulation material used is suitable for the wall construction concerned.

What are the different types of cavity wall insulation?

The three most common types of cavity wall insulation used are: Blown mineral fibre….

• Blown Mineral Fibre.
• Polystyrene beads or granules.
• Urea Formaldehyde Foam.

What are the regulations for cavity wall insulation?

The Building Regulations require that the insulation material used is suitable for the wall construction concerned. In the case of some foam cavity wall insulating materials an assessment of the risk of the emission of formaldehyde gas will need to be carried out. Local authority building control departments can give more detailed guidance.

How big should a cavity wall be in a building?

Solid brick wall 2.0 W/m2K. Cavity wall with no insulation 1.5 W/m2K. Insulated cavity wall 0.3 W/m2K or less. The approved documents to the building regulations set limiting fabric standards for the elements of buildings.

What are the special points of cavity wall construction?

Special Points to be Observed in Cavity Wall Construction. 1. The cavity should extend to 15 cm below the damp-proof course level. 2. Below the ground level, the walls are built solid, or preferably the cavity should be filled up to 15 cm below the damp-proof course with fine concrete.

When to retrofit a cavity in a building?

Typically, buildings built between the 1920s and 1980s, with a cavity of at least 50 mm can be retrofitted with cavity insulation. This reduces their U-value and so improves their thermal performance. A boroscope inspection can be carried out by drilling a small hole in the wall to determine whether walls are suitable for cavity insulation.