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General Questions
Find answers to commonly asked general questions
A professional survey can assess your property’s construction, existing insulation and any relevant issues to help determine which insulation improvements mare be suitable.
The surveyor will assess the relevant areas of your property, including the existing insulation, construction and condition where appropriate. They can also discuss your requirements and identify any issues that may need to be addressed before installation.
The length of a survey depends on the size any type of property and the work being considered. Your surveyor will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect when arranging your appointment.
Yes. The proposed work and associated costs should be discussed with you before installation takes place, allowing you to make an informed decision with no obligation to proceed.
The cost depends on several factors, including the type of insulation, size and construction of the property, access requirements and any additional work needed. A survey and quotation will provide a more accurate costs.
Insulation times vary depending on the type of insulation, size of the property and the condition of the areas being worked on. Many straightforward installations can be completed relatively quickly, while more complex work may take longer.
In many cases, no. However, this depends on the type of insulation being installed and the nature of the work. Your installer will explain any access requirements or disruptions before work begins.
Every installation is different, but installers should aim to keep disruptions to a minimum. Some work may involve noise, dust, access to certain areas of the property or temporary restrictions while the installation is completed.
Insulation can reduce heat loss and the amount of energy needed to heat a property. The actual savings can vary depending on the property, existing insulation, heating system and household energy use.
Improving a property’s insulation can contribute to better energy efficiency and may improve it’s EPC rating. The overall impact will depend on the property’s construction and other energy-efficiency measures.
Not every property or area of a property will be suitable for every type of insulation. A survey can help identify whether insulation is appropriate and highlight any issues that should be addressed first.
Existing damp, leaks or building defects should be investigated before insulation is installed. Insulation should not be used to conceal an underlying problem.
The documentation provided can depend on the type of work and insulation system installed. Your installer can explain what guarantees, certificates or other records are available for your installation.
You should speak to your landlord or letting agent before arranging insulation work, as alterations to the property will normally require the property owners permission.
You may need to clear access to the relevant areas and move or protect belongings where necessary. Your installer should let you know about any specific preparations required before the installation date.
You can contact Karnheath to arrange a free, no-obligation survey and discuss the insulation options available for your property on the left.
Loft FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about loft insulation.
Loft insulation is material installed between or over the ceiling joists in a loft or attic space. It helps reduce heat escaping through the roof, keeping the property warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
A significant amount of heat can be lost through the un-insulated roof. Installing adequate insulation can improve energy efficiency, make rooms more comfortable and reduce heating requirements.
For many UK homes, modern guidance commonly recommends around 270mm of mineral wool insulation when using rolls or quilt insulation. The appropriate depth depends on the insulation material, the existing construction and the condition of the loft.
The cost varies depending on the size and accessibility of the loft, the insulation material, existing insulation and whether additional work is required. A professional survey or quotation is the best way to establish the actual cost. Karnheath’s surveys are free of charge and no obligation.
Good-quality loft insulation can last for decades when correctly installed and kept dry and undisturbed. It may need attention if it becomes wet, compressed, contaminated or damaged.
It can. By reducing heat loss through the roof, loft insulation can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the property. The actual saving depends on the property’s size, existing insulation, heating system, occupancy and energy use.
Some insulation materials can reduce the transmission of sound, but standard loft insulation is primarily designed for thermal insulation. Specialist acoustic insulation may be more appropriate where sound reduction is the main objective.
Some loft insulation can be installed as a DIY project, particularly where the loft is accessible and there are no complications. However, care is needed around electrical equipment, ventilation, damp, water tanks, recessed lights and other services.
Often, yes. If the existing insulation is dry, clean and in reasonable condition, additional insulation can sometimes be installed over to increase the overall depth. Damaged, wet or contaminated insulation should be assessed before covering it.
Yes, but the type of use matters. Insulation installed between and above joists can reduce the available height, so raised boarding or a suitable loft storage system may be required if you want to use the space for storage. Karnheath offers boarding options, please advise when arranging a survey.
You should not simply compress thick insulation beneath standard loft boards, as compression can reduce its effectiveness. A raised boarding system can provide storage space while maintaining the required insulation depth.
Correctly installed loft insulation should not normally cause condensation. However, a loft needs appropriate ventilation and airflow, particularly around the eaves. Existing condensation, damp or roof leaks should be investigated before insulation is installed. Additional ventilation can be installed where required with felt lap vents.
Damp should be investigated before insulation is installed or upgraded. Possible causes include roof leaks, condensation, plumbing problems, or inadequate ventilation. Insulation should not be used to conceal an underlying damp problem.
Yes, but tanks, pipes and other services need to be considered during installation. Cold water tanks and pipes may need appropriate insulation themselves to help protect against freezing, while ventilation and access must be maintained.
Care is required. Electrical cables, junction boxes, recessed lights and other electrical equipment should not simply be covered without considering the manufacturer’s requirements and applicable electrical safety guidance.
You should normally speak to your landlord or letting agent before carrying out insulation work. Alterations to the property may require the landlord’s permission.
Responsibility depends on the circumstances and the condition of the property. Landlords have a legal obligation relating to the condition and energy efficiency of rental properties, while tenants should report problems such as damp, roof leaks or inadequate heating to the landlord or agent.
Yes. If you are concerned about poor insulation, excessive heat loss, cold rooms or high energy use, raise the issue with your landlord or letting agent. They can assess whether improvements are appropriate.
Only if the loft is intended and permitted for storage. Check your tenancy agreement and ask the landlord or agent before using the loft. Insulation, electrical equipment and the strength of the ceiling/loft structure should also be considered.
Report to your landlord pr agent rather than replacing it yourself. Wet insulation may indicate a roof leak, plumbing issue or condensation problems that needs to be addressed.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Landlords are responsible for meeting applicable legal requirements concerning the property. Whether additional loft insulation is required depends on the property’s existing condition, energy performance and applicable regulations.
Potentially, improving loft insulation can improve the energy efficiency of a property and may contribute to a better EPC rating. The impact depends on the property’s overall construction and other energy-efficient measures.
It can be a good opportunity to inspect the loft, identify damp or roof problems and upgrade insulation where appropriate. Improving insulation may also help make the property more comfortable and energy efficient for tenants.
A suitable assessment should consider:
- Existing insulation and its condition
- Roof leaks or damp
- Loft ventilation
- Electrical installations
- Water tanks and pipes
- Loft boarding and intended storage
- Access requirements
- Existing structural issues
- The appropriate insulation material and depth.
Requirements depend on the nature and scope of the work. Where insulation forms part of building work or an alteration, applicable Building Regulations and other requirements should be considered. A qualified installer can advise on the relevant requirements.
Often, yes. However, landlords should consider access, dust and disruption, tenant belongings, working hours and any health or safety considerations. Tenants should be given an appropriate notice where required.
Professional installation can be particularly useful where the loft has difficult access, existing damp, complex electrical installations, extensive boarding or other potential complications. Installers should be appropriately qualified and experienced.
Regular inspections can help identify problems such as roof leaks, water damage, compressed insulation, blocked ventilation or damage caused by maintenance work. Any issues should be addressed properly.
For many properties, improving inadequate loft insulation can be a relatively straightforward, cost effective way to reduce heat loss. Whether it is worthwhile financially depends on installation costs, the property’s existing insulation and expected energy savings.
A straight forward loft can often be insulated relatively quickly. The duration depends on the loft size, accessibility, existing insulation, amount of boarding and any remedial work required.
It does not always need to be removed. If it is clean, dry and in good condition, it may be possible to install additional insulation over it. If it is damaged, wet, contaminated or otherwise unsuitable, removal may be recommended.
Yes, but removal should be carried out carefully, particularly where there may be asbestos containing materials, animal waste, mould, contaminated insulation or electrical hazards. Specialist advice may be appropriate in these circumstances.
There is no single best product for every property. Mineral wool, glass mineral wool, sheep’s wool,, rigid insulation boards and other materials have different characteristics. The most suitable option depends on the loft construction, intended use, budget and required performance.
A loft conversion is different from insulating a conventional cold loft. The roof, walls, floor and other elements need to be designed and insulated appropriately, and Building Regulations will generally apply. Specialist advice should be obtained before works begin.
Check the condition of the roof and loft, look for signs of damp or condensation, identify electrical equipment and plumbing, consider whether you need storage space and obtain quotations from suitable qualified installers.
Cavity Wall FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about cavity wall insulation
Cavity wall insulation is material installed between the inner and outer layers of a cavity wall. It helps reduce heat loss through the walls and can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of a property.
Uninsulated cavity walls can allow significant heat to escape. Filling that cavity with suitable insulation can reduce heat loss, help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature and potentially reduce heating requirements.
Cavity walls are common in properties built from the mid-20th century onwards,but construction varies considerably. A professional survey can usually determine whether a property has cavity walls and whether they are suitable for insulation.
No. The suitability of a cavity depends on factors such as wall construction, exposure to wind-driven rain, cavity width, condition of the brickwork, damp risks and the type of insulation proposed.
Common systems include blown mineral wool, bonded bead systems and injected polyurethane foam. The appropriate material depends on the property and the construction of the wall.
The cost depends on the size of the property, access, insulation systems and any remedial work required. A survey and quotation will provide a more accurate figure.
It can. By reducing heat loss through external walls, cavity insulation can reduce the energy required to heat a property. Actual savings vary depending on the property, heating system, existing insulation and household energy use.
Properly installed cavity wall insulation can provide long-term thermal performance. Its lifespan depends on the material, installation quality and condition of the wall.
Depending on the system, installers may drill small holes into the external walls and inject or blow insulation into the cavity. The holes are then filled and finished to match the existing wall as closely as possible.
For many retrofit cavity wall systems, small access holes are required. These are normally positioned in the mortar joints or another suitable location and are subsequently filled.
A professional installer should take care to match the existing mortar or wall finish. However, some evidence of the installation may remain, particularly on older or weathered properties.
Many straightforward installations can be completed within a day, although the timescale depends on the size and construction of the property, access and any preparation or remedial work required.
Correctly designed and installed cavity wall insulation should not normally cause damp. However, unsuitable properties or defective walls can present a risk of moisture penetration. A proper suitability assessment is therefore important before installation.
The cause of the damp should be identified and addressed before cavity insulation is installed. Installing insulation without resolving resolving existing damp or water-ingress problems may make matters worse.
The purpose of cavity wall insulation is to reduce heat loss through the wall. However, the performance of the system depends on correct design, suitable materials and proper installation.
Exposure to wind-driven rain is an important consideration when assessing cavity wall insulation. Some properties may require particular insulation systems, additional precautions or may not be suitable for certain types of cavity insulation.
Possibly. The age of the property alone does not determine suitability. The wall construction, cavity, condition, exposure and other factors need to be assesed.
It can contribute to improved energy efficiency and may improve a property’s EPC rating. The effect depends on the property’s existing construction and other energy-efficient measures.
It can sometimes be removed, but the process can be difficult and may require specialist equipment and expertise. Removal should only be considered after identifying the underlying reason for doing so.
Some cavity insulation materials can provide a degree of acoustic improvement, but cavity wall insulation is primarily intended to improve thermal performance. Specialist acoustic solutions may be more appropriate where sound reduction is the main objective.
Cavity wall insulation failure generally refers to insulation that is no longer performing as intended or is contributing to problems such as moisture penetration. It can result from unsuitable installations, defective walls, exposure, damaged insulation or other building defects.
Possible warning signs include:
- Persistent damp patches on the walls
- mould or reoccuring condensation
- damp or deteriorating plaster
- water penetration after heavy rain
- damaged or deteriorating external brickwork
- unusual cold spots on internal walls
- problems that appeared after cavity wall insulation was installed.
These symptoms have many possible causes, so professional investigation is recommended thater than assuming the insulation is responsible.
Cavity wall insulation itself should not normally cause mould when correctly specified and installed. Mould can be caused by condensation, leaks, inadequate ventilation, cold surfaces or other moisture problems.
Do not immediately assume the insulation is the cause. Arrange an appropriate inspection rto establish whether the problem is related to the cavity, external walls, plumbing, roofing, condensation or another building defect.
A properly constructed cavity wall is designed to prevent rain passing from the outer leaf to the inner leaf. However, defective masonry, bridged cavities, unsuitable insulation or excessive exposure can increase the risk of moisture penetration.
You should speak to your landlord or letting agent before arranging any insulation work. Cavity wall insulation involves altering the building fabric and should normally be approved by the property owner.
Yes. If you believe your home has poor insulation, cold walls or excessive heat loss, raise the issue with your landlord or letting agent. They can arrange an assessment to determine whether improvements are appropriate.
Report any problems of damp or water-penetration to your landlord or letting agent promptly. The responsibility for investigation and remedial work will depend on the circumstances and the tenancy agreements.
Report the problem and keep a record of when the damp appeared and where it is located. Avoid attempting to remove or disturb the insulation yourself.
Usually, this can be arranged, but the landlord should consider access, disruption, working arrangements and any notice requirements. The installation process is generally carried out from outside the property.
Where a property is suitable, improving inadequate wall insulation can help improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and potentially the property’s EPC rating.
A suitable assessment should consider:
- Type and condition of the cavity wall
- Cavity width and construction
- existing insulation
- external wall condition
- evidence of damp or water penetration
- exposure to wind-driven rain
- condition of pointing and brickwork
- drainage and other relevant wall details
- suitable insulation systems
- Installer qualifications and certification
yes. A suitability survey is important before installation. It can help identify construction details, damp risks, defects and whether the proposed insulation system is appropriate.
Potentially. Insulating suitable cavity walls can improve the property’s thermal efficiency and may contribute to an improved EPC rating.
It can be a convenient time to carry out improvement works, particularly where external access is required. However, the property should still be surveyed beforehand and any underlying defects addressed.
Landlords should retain relevant installation information, guarantees, certificates, survey reports and details of the insulation system and installer. These records can be useful for future maintenance, property sales and energy-efficiency assessments.
The complaint should be investigated promptly. Damp can have numerous causes, so the property should be assessed rather than automatically attributing the problem to cavity wall insulation.
The insulation itself generally requires little routine maintenance. However, the external walls should be kept in good condition, including pointing, brickwork, render, gutters and other areas that help prevent water entering the wall.
Potentially. Cracked masonry, detective pointing, damaged render and other defects should be identified and addressed where necessary before insulation is installed.
The condition of the external wall should be assessed first. Significant defects may need to be repaired before insulation is installed to reduce the risk of moisture penetration.
Yes, but the areas around openings require appropriate consideration during the survey and installation. Existing damp-proofing, cavity closers, and other construction details should not be compromised. If you are planning on replacing any doors, windows, or even a roof, it is advisable to have this done prior to any cavity insulation work.
Potentially. Rendered walls can have different moisture characteristics from exposed brickwork, so the wall construction and condition should be assessed before choosing an insulation system.
Yes, where the relevant walls are suitable for insulation. Cavity barriers are usually installed in between properties to prevent the insulation from going into the neighbouring property.
It depends on the construction of the building and ownership arrangements. External wall insulation work in a flat may also require permission from the freeholder, managing agent, or other relevant parties. It is worth noting that it is not possible to barrier off between a downstairs and upstairs flat as the cavity normally runs through both properties and therefore would need to be insulated at the same time.
Look for an experienced installer who can provide evidence of appropriate qualifications, certification, guarantees, and relevant experience with they type of property and insulation system being proposed. A proper pre-installation survey should form part of the process.
