Cavity Wall Insulation Removal
Coastal Wall Ties specialise in cavity wall insulation removal from properties across Sussex and Hampshire. Once considered the answer to rising energy costs, cavity wall insulation simply isn’t suitable for every property — especially those prone to damp, or in exposed areas.
Another factor is the UK’s rapidly changing climate conditions with an increase in storms and wind-driven rain. Many property owners are now faced with damp issues relating to their cavity wall insulation — or its removal.
Many insulation companies have turned from installation to extraction and unfortunately some of these extractions have been poorly managed, resulting in ongoing issues for the property owner.
Cavity wall insulation problems: why do they happen
To answer this question we firstly need to look at the purpose of cavity walls, which were designed to stop penetrating damp caused by wind-driven rain soaking into the external wall, eventually creating damp problems on the internal wall.
Cavity wall insulation isn’t suitable for properties whose outside walls are continually exposed to wet weather conditions (especially wind-driven). Very exposed walls may never experience enough dry weather conditions for the walls to dry out and the moisture build up will eventually affect the fill material used to insulate the cavity. The south and west elevations are usually affected.
Many property owners with cavity wall insulation are facing issues with damp and condensation, usually caused by the cavity wall insulation material holding water.
Unfortunately when the insulation is trapping moisture within the property, issues of mould growth, damp and condensation will quickly become noticeable, usually between October and March.
This is a video of cavity wall insulation causing damp in a property in Crawley, West Sussex – however, damp is not the word. The insulation was acting more like a sponge. Trapping the water in between the cavity wall, leaking through to the inner wall and causing the damp problems.
Has the installation method contributed to the problem
In many cases the answer is ‘yes’. Most properties facing damp problems because of cavity wall insulation are due to the incorrect installation of the cavity wall fill. When the fill material is pumped under too-high pressure, circles of solid insulation are formed around the injection holes, leaving voids elsewhere. These circles of solid insulation allow the penetration of water and ensuing damp problems.
Cavity wall insulation removal: talk to the damp specialists
Coastal Wall Ties has been at the forefront of cavity wall insulation removal, providing expert damp specialist reports and damp surveys for compensation claims and poor extractions. We have used many of the extraction methods available today, including the use of industrial air compressors and industrial vacuums; each one has its advantages and its drawbacks.
The Coastal Wall Ties way: tried, tested, trusted
Our experienced team of damp specialists will find the cause of the problem and if necessary remove defective or water-retaining cavity wall insulation using our highly successful method.
The strategic removal of external bricks allows us to complete the extraction and eliminate damp problems without affecting the property’s structure or appearance, and with minimal disruption to the household.
Our extraction technique ensures that we can completely remove the insulation, clear debris, clear cavity trays and the damp proof courses as part of the work. Our team invites our customers to view the findings and observe the progress of the extraction. Every customer is issued with a completion certificate at the end of the operation.
We can undertake the removal of Rockwool insulation, white wool and bead insulation products from the cavity walls of domestic and commercial properties across the Sussex and Hampshire.
Are you having problems with Damp on Internal Walls?
Damp problems due to wet cavity wall insulation
There are several common issues that maybe causing damp problems.
1. When the property is built or altered, lumps of mortar or debris may become wedged between the cavity or on top of wall ties enabling water to penetrate through the outside skin onto your internal walls.
2. Condensation can cause damp and mould growth on your internal walls due to poor ventilation and high humidity, this can often occur after cavity wall and loft insulation is installed due to trapping the moisture within your property, you will generally see this occur between October and March.
In order to rule out condensation we often advise our customers to invest in a Hygrometer. This displays the humidity levels in the room and the dew point at which condensation occurs. The ideal humidity level should be around 30-50% we often recommend 50% which is the most comfortable level.
If you find the humidity levels are high then you can take the relevant steps to reduce humidity simply by opening windows when cooking, drying clothes and showering or by investing in a dehumidifier. Alternatively a member of our team can advise on increasing ventilation with some of the different products we have available.
Our Clients
Coastal Wall Ties work on domestic properties in Sussex and Hampshire and we welcome contract enquiries from managing agents, architects and building contractors. We are fully insured and work to the highest industry standards with an insurance-backed guarantee. We are up to date and fully compliant with the latest Health and Safety regulations.
Contact us for professional damp specialist advice on all your cavity wall insulation removal and damp proofing needs in Sussex and Hampshire
We have over 20 years’ extensive experience and offer our customers expert advice on damp surveys and all aspects of cavity wall insulation removal with a free, no obligation quotation.
You can reach Coastal Wall Ties on 01903 713053/07513 345231; email us at: enquiries@coastalwallties.co.uk or send an online enquiry. We offer an assurance of expert, affordable advice and prompt attention, backed by a 25-year company guarantee. An insurance backed guarantee is also available.