Damp due to Cavity Wall Insulation

In recent years the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has been advising people to install cavity insulation in their homes as a means to reduce energy costs. Grants are available to those who do so in an effort to reduce energy use and costs to the homeowner. Many homeowners throughout Ireland have availed of these grants and had their cavity walls insulated with polystyrene beads.

So here we are, a few years later, and after many long wet winters and we are seeing several cases of damp and mould in Irish homes. Cavity walls were built for a reason and that reason being that the walls were allowed to breathe. The cavity allows for a certain degree of thermal insulation and protection from driving rain. If rain penetrates the outer layer of the building it will run down the inside of the wall and disappear into the foundations causing no problems. However, cavity insulation is holding the damp in the walls. It is then penetrating the inside layer leading to damp and mould on internal walls.

Some homeowners are opting to have the cavity wall insulation removed and replaced with dry-lining.

If you are experiencing any of these problems then get in touch and we will provide a full and free assessment of your property and hopefully some useful solutions.

Clare Building Services is a County Clare based building company that has over 20 years experience.