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Around 71% of all properties in the UK are made of cavity walls, and yet according to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, over a quarter of these properties lack proper cavity wall insulation. For some, it’s a matter of choosing the right insulation material.
In recent years, insulation beads have been steadily gaining popularity as a method of insulating cavity walls. The most popular, being bonded EPD polystyrene beads - even boasts amazing qualities such as moisture and mould resistance. But what are some issues you can encounter?
This complete guide by GreenMatch UK will provide all you need to know about cavity wall insulation beads, including common problems, solutions, and benefits.
Ready to get your cavity walls insulated? Look no further than GreenMatch UK for the best bargains on professional installers. Simply fill in our quick 30-second form, and receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from trustworthy installers right in your area. Click below to begin!
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EPS-bonded polystyrene beads have taken the cavity wall insulation market by storm. Their relatively cheaper price, durability to weathering, and recyclability make them a popular choice amongst homeowners with cavity walls.
But like any insulation choice, cavity wall insulation polystyrene bead problems also exist and are worth considering. Here are some of the main issues to look out for:
Being aware of these blown bead insulation problems can help you prepare for solutions if ever needed. The best way to reduce the likelihood of cavity wall issues is to work with a professional installer. That way, you can ensure that you get a high-quality job.
When the bonding agent used to secure cavity wall insulation beads in place is too strong, you risk overbonding the beads. This can make them rigid and cause pressure buildup.
The mounting pressure can lead to cracks in your external walls, which can allow for moisture to enter the cavity space via the over-hardened glue. This moisture buildup can seep into your internal walls and lead to a damp home environment.
On the other hand, when the bonding agent used for cavity wall insulation beads is too weak, you risk underbonding the beads. This can cause the beads to dislodge and gaps to form around them.
These gaps can be susceptible to moisture build-up, but can also invite insects like ants to harbour in them. Ants are known to build nests in some cavity walls, bringing in soil around the loosened beads to create nest structures.
This soil buildup in your cavity space can transfer moisture from the external wall to the internal wall, bridging the gap and leading to a damper home environment.
In most cases, the greatest risk for any cavity wall insulation is moisture build-up. In the case of polystyrene beads overbonding and underbonding can lead to moisture buildup in the cavity space.
While EPS polystyrene beads are moisture and mould-resistant, this doesn’t mean they can protect a cavity wall from moisture if it’s poorly sealed. Cracks in the external brickwork can still lead to moisture seeping through and reaching the internal wall.
For this reason, it’s important to work with a professional and accredited installer who can ensure that the job is done with the highest quality workmanship.
A problem common with under-bonded beads is that these loose beads are no longer secured in place. This can create shifting gaps throughout your cavity wall, exposing areas prone to moisture buildup.
Additionally, any time external brickwork might need to take place, under-bonded beads can flow out onto your lawn and pavement, reducing the insulation in your cavity walls, but also causing a mess in your lawn.
It’s sometimes difficult to identify when exactly your insulation beads have been compromised, but there will be signs. It’s good to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary so that you can identify a problem before it worsens.
Cavity wall insulation beads leaking can be triggered by a series of problems. Here are some of the most telltale signs of leaking insulation beads:
Cavity wall beads escaping can add a damper to your insulation through hefty repair costs and top-ups, however, being proactive can help you avoid facing these problems.
Like any insulation measure, it’s possible to encounter problems along the way. However, the majority of these problems stem from shabby installation, poor workmanship, and unsuitable cavity walls.
Luckily, some proactive steps can be taken ahead of time to make sure you get the best out of your cavity wall insulation job.
If you follow these steps before getting your cavity walls insulated with beads, you maximise your chances of a long-term insulation solution for your home.
Cavity wall polystyrene beads boast some of the most impressive properties of all cavity wall insulation materials. Together with their relative affordability and robustness, a correct installation can reduce your home’s heat loss by up to 33% for decades to come.
That’s not all. Take a look at some of the best perks you can enjoy with polystyrene bead cavity wall insulation:
With the perks that cavity wall insulation beads bring, it’s safe to say they outweigh the downsides. A great way to ensure longevity and peace of mind with your cavity wall insulation is to work with a professional installer.
However, finding an accredited installer at the right price is no easy task. Research and vetting can have you spend countless hours surfing the internet and scheduling calls, with no real deal in sight. Luckily, GreenMatch UK is here to free you from the burden.
Through our nationwide network of trusted installers, you can receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes completely free of charge and obligations. All you have to do is fill in our simple 30-second form, and we’ll deliver the bargains to you. Click below to begin!
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Bead cavity wall insulation in itself does not cause dampness. Most often, a poor installation job, our outdated damaged cavity walls can create insulation gaps that invite moisture buildup. The best way to avoid this issue is to work with a professional accredited installer. That way, you can rest assured to get the highest quality workmanship.
Polystyrene beads are one of the more popular and effective ways to insulate your cavity walls. Alongside their favourable price tag, polystyrene beads are moisture and mould-resistant. They can even be recycled after use into new products, making them relatively sustainable.
If installed correctly, bead cavity wall insulation can last the entire lifetime of your home. For extra safety, work with a CIGA-guaranteed installer. The Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) vets installers for their workmanship, and provides a 25-year guarantee on cavity wall insulation jobs.
There is no real bad type of cavity wall insulation, but rather a bad cavity wall or bad installation job. Bad cavity walls are more often found in older properties and have cracks, gaps, and unclean cavity spaces that need fixing before an insulation job.
Akif is a copywriter at GreenMatch since 2023. With a keen interest in community sustainability, green solutions and the role of digital media in identifying climate trends, he aims to hone in on his background in International Studies and Digital Media to provide a multidisciplinary approach to written content rooted in credible research and accuracy.
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