Cavity Insulation

There would be quite a lot of work involved as you would have to cut pockets every 600mm which would the size of two - three bricks, then you would be able to clear rubble which is bridging damp across into your internal walls, once cleared walls would be patched up and made good, the damp upstairs would depending on how severe you would have to hack off old plaster and re lay in a damp proof plaster which will then let moisture release slowly, I would be happy to give you a quote many thanks Simon

Hi Abbie As an ex cavity / loft surveyor I have come across numerous properties with rubble and there are a number of companies who could both clean out loose debris and then pump a suitable cavity insulation. In all this could cost between £2,000 > £5,000 subject to size of property and severity of rubble. Worth doing if you are staying there long term? I’m regards the condensation & mould to 1st floor, this is often caused (as you know) by poor ventilation, old style windows poorly insulated lofty and cold external walls. (& drying wet cloth on radiators) condensation/ mould is usually caused when warm air (from breathing 🥺) and / or heating systems etc! When warm air comes into contact with a cold surface this creates moisture which is absorbed into the walls / ceiling eventually forming into an (unhealthy) surface mould! Opening small windows on 1/2 lock allows rooms to breath a little easier, as warm moisture will generally seek out the coldest spots to escape from. improving the level of loft insulation should help reduce mould growth to ceilings as well as keep rooms warmer. To change a cold wall to a warmer one, you could look at insulating problem walls internally, either but dry lining with an insulation board of one type or other, or if the rooms can not afford to loose internal floor space, the use of a thermal insulation wall paper. (ie Wallrock KV600 Thermal liner) This is good for a cold surface (wall or ceiling) into a warm surface, thus preventing condensation or mould issues. These can be over painted or papered to suit. A good economical & less disruptive alternative to helping solve most similar situations. I hope this helps and will be happy to advise further. Warm regards Tony

When / if you get the rubble cleared it would be advantageous to have polybead insulation installed as opposed to blown fibre as polybead is water proof and should for any reason water or moisture enter the cavity it will not impact or degrade the insulation. Blown fibre can absorb moisture similar to a sponge, then it becomes heavy and slumps down the cavity leaving voids above whereas bead allows moisture to pass through and also remains in place to insulate the walls. Regards Martyn (Multi-Therm Insulations)

Sounds like you need a more holistic plan for improving the property. If they mentioned hard to treat cavities and rubble it sounds like the cavity wouldn't be big enough to fill with cavity fill insulation that would reach the minimum u value of Building Regs at .30Wm2K. The options open and that would be more viable are internal and or external insulation or a mix of both. Sounds like you have a mix of damp problems as well as high relative humidity inside the property as well as rising damp from the bridging of the damp course etc. My advice would be speak to a professional that can help you look at the plan over all and prioritise your budget around the most value effective agenda that leads you to having a dry, warm, energy efficient, healthy planet friendly home. We can help you with all of this over time. Best regards Mike Stripling Cobalt Carbon Free