No Cavity Wall Insulation: Pros, Cons & How Does It Work?

As energy prices soar and winter approaches, non-cavity wall insulation for houses, or solid wall insulation, offers a lasting solution for older UK homes built before the 1920s. While costlier than cavity wall insulation, it significantly reduces heat loss, cuts energy bills, and enhances comfort and property value. This option is ideal for homes with solid walls, improving energy ratings where cavity insulation isn't possible.

Has this caught your attention, and are you wondering which is the best way to insulate a house without cavities? Our guide on no-cavity wall insulation in the UK will answer all your questions, covering insulating walls without cavities, their associated costs, and a final review to help you better understand them. 

We will not only help you understand the perks of no cavity wall insulation, but we can also help you find reliable installers near you. Instead of spending hours of your time researching professional installers, calling different companies, and comparing their quotes, let us do the hard work for you.

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There are two ways to insulate homes without cavity walls: internal or external insulation. But which is the best way to insulate a house with non-cavity walls?

Internal insulation is when insulation material, such as rigid sheet insulation, is directly fixed onto the interior walls of your home and covered in plasterboard. Alternatively, stud walls can be built within your home, filled with insulation such as mineral wool, and then covered with plasterboard. While it's an effective method, it can reduce room size by about 100mm, potentially disrupting daily life during installation.

External insulation involves fixing insulation material to the outer walls of your home and then covering it with plaster and cladding insulation. This method enhances weatherproofing and sound isolation without interior disruption but is more expensive and may require planning permission due to changes in the home's appearance.

Choosing the best method depends on your home's needs, potential disruption, and budget.

The cost of insulation ranges from £7,500 to £12,000, depending on the type of insulation you choose. External insulation, for instance, tends to be more expensive than internal insulation; however, it enhances a home's thermal efficiency without reducing interior space while also improving weatherproofing and sound isolation.

Moreover, external insulation causes minimal disruption to daily life since the work is done outside, though it is generally more expensive and may require planning permission. Internal insulation, while typically cheaper, reduces room size and can significantly disrupt daily activities during installation. External insulation also offers the benefit of refreshing the home’s exterior appearance.

While these costs may seem steep, there are different insulation grants in the UK to support homeowners in their decisions. The UK government launched the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) to help qualifying homes with wall insulation completely free of charge.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is also available. It offers insulation grants to reduce carbon emissions, energy use, and fuel poverty in the UK. It targets fuel-poor households by placing a Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO) on medium to large energy suppliers, requiring them to provide efficient heating and insulation measures to low-income households. 

These costs are estimates, and available insulation grants may change with new government policies. Therefore, we strongly recommend consulting with a specialist. This will help you stay informed about the latest trends and costs, compare quotes, and save time and money by connecting directly with professionals.

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Solid wall insulation is ideal for older UK homes built before the 1920s. You have two main options: external insulation, which costs around £12,000, or internal insulation, which costs about £7,500. While it's a significant investment, government schemes like the GBIS and ECO4 offer grants to help make homes more energy-efficient, especially for low-income households.

External insulation keeps your living space intact and improves weatherproofing, while internal insulation is cheaper but slightly shrinks rooms. Both need expert installation and careful moisture management. Don't forget to consider planning permissions, potential disruption, and warranties. You can save money by combining wall insulation work with other home improvements.

Overall, solid wall insulation can greatly benefit older UK homes, but it requires thoughtful planning. It's best to chat with a professional to determine the right approach for your specific home.

Fortunately, with our service, finding a reliable professional and comparing quotes couldn’t be easier. Just fill in our short form, and we’ll connect you with up to 3 free home-tailored quotes. Spare yourself the hassle of endless googling, and click below to get started—it’s quick, simple, and completely free!