There are lots of ways that you can make your home more energy efficient, where even the smallest of changes can make a big difference. Everything from renewable energy alternatives to insulation upgrades can help to keep your household bills to a minimum, saving you money whilst also conserving the planet’s finite resources.
Cavity wall insulation is a perfect option for homeowners looking to improve their energy efficiency rating with minimal disruption. This is when insulation is injected into the space between your inner and outer walls, preventing heat from escaping your home.
If you’re thinking about making this kind of energy saving upgrade, then it is essential to find a contractor you can trust. You will want your installation to be affordable and of a high quality, giving you lasting peace of mind. As such, it is important to consider who you’re working with, and whether they can provide you with the best possible service.
Read on to find out more about cavity wall insulation, with a look at how you can choose the right contractor for the job.
What Is Cavity Wall Insulation?
Many homes built after the 1930s were designed with cavity walls. This is when there is a gap between the outer and inner walls of a building, where this helps to prevent moisture from making its way inside the home. A cavity wall can usually be spotted by the brickwork, as these installations tend to feature bricks laid lengthways in an even pattern.
Unfortunately, these cavities can allow warm air to escape your home, leading to draughts and poor heat retention. As such, a cavity wall can make it more expensive to heat your home.
This issue can be resolved with the help of cavity wall insulation, which fills up the gap or cavity in order to trap heat inside the home. A professional contractor will drill small holes in the outside wall, in order to inject insulation made from mineral wool of polyurethane foam into the cavity. The drilled holes will then be sealed up, leaving you with a well-insulated property.
If your cavity wall insulation is of a good quality and it is installed with care, then it can last for more than 25 years without the need for further maintenance.
Everything To Look For From Your Contractor
Although this installation process sounds straightforward, it is essential that a trained contractor completes the work for you so that your home is properly insulated. Otherwise, a poorly finished job could be expensive and time consuming to rectify.
As such, it is vital to know what to look for in a potential contractor - some key elements to consider are discussed below:
Accreditations
A professional installation firm will hold a number of well-respected accreditations and certificates, which demonstrate their quality standards.
This may include a TrustMark accreditation, a government-backed quality scheme that ensures home upgrades are carried out carefully and safely. The accreditation can be awarded to insulation contractors as well as window glazing and solar panel firms, helping to distinguish technical competence and excellent customer service.
In addition to this, some companies may hold a UKAS-accredited ISO certificate from the British Assessment Bureau. This is a national accreditation which illustrates that an installation company is competent and can provide high quality work for every customer.
Company Experience
Another key factor to consider when choosing an insulation contractor is how much experience the company has. Newly established teams may not be familiar with the specifics of your property, where this could lead to complications further down the line.
It is always best to work with a well-established contractor with lots of industry experience, so you can ensure that you’re receiving the best possible service.
Customer Reviews
If you want to find out more about how a company deals with customers, then the best thing to do is to read some real-life reviews. Lots of installers will feature positive customer reviews and feedback on their website, where this can help you to build trust in their services.
In addition to this, you can always check independent review sites and trade standard organisations for more impartial reviews to get a good sense of what to expect.
Insurance-Backed Guarantees
Whilst it can bring you peace of mind to know that your installer is reputable, it is always helpful to have some kind of insurance plan in place in case of an emergency. It is worth looking out for insurance companies that offer an insurance-backed guarantee, where this means that your work will still be completed or you will be reimbursed if your contractor is unable to finish the job.
For some contractors, this will be provided by Qualitymark Protection, a guarantee provider that awards backing to installers of a particularly high standard. In order to qualify for Qualitymark Protection’s cover, a contractor will have to prove they are competent to handle insulation and that their company is financially secure.
Financing Options
Funding your own energy upgrades can be expensive, so it can be beneficial to look for installers who offer alternative financing routes.
Some contractors will be able to check your eligibility for the ECO4 funding scheme, a government initiative that funds energy saving home improvements for low income households.You company may be able to source this funding on your behalf, making the entire process quick and easy.
Further to this, the ECO4 Flex Scheme, also known as LA Flex, allows additional households to qualify for government grants. Look out for contractors or installation companies who advertise this scheme if you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
The Benefits Of Cavity Wall Insulation
If you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency and heat retention of your home, then there are lots of upgrades to choose from that can help. Importantly, there are numerous benefits to pursuing cavity wall insulation in particular, if this is an issue for your property.
Some of these key benefits include:
Financial savings - according to the Energy Saving Trust, cavity wall insulation could save the average terraced house up to £140 a year on their energy bills, where these savings will accumulate as time goes on.
Environmental benefits - the better insulated your home, the less energy is required to heat it, meaning that you will be able to cut your carbon emissions and benefit the planet in the long run.
Mould prevention - once this insulation is installed, it will also help to prevent mould from spreading between your outer and inner walls, further protecting your home.
Easy installation - cavity wall insulation can be installed quickly and easily by a professional contractor, with minimal disruption to your everyday life.
North East Insulation Services: Energy Saving Upgrades For Your Home
Our cavity wall insulation contractors can provide you with a high quality installation that will immediately improve heat retention throughout your home. This means you can benefit from a draft-free interior alongside dramatic reductions to your energy bills.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a cavity insulation grant, then we can check your eligibility with regard to the ECO4 scheme and LA Flex, helping you to get the best possible deal for your property.
When it comes to home insulation, our expert installers are ready to deliver a premium service. As an indication of our high standards, we’re PAS2030 and Ocean certified. We’re also TrustMark quality scheme members for all of our products, and we’re backed by Qualitymark Protection, helping to instil long term peace of mind.
Get in touch with one of our friendly team members today to find out more about our cavity insulation services.
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