Cavity walls are a vital feature of many homes, offering both structural strength and insulation. However, over time, these walls can develop issues that compromise their performance, leading to problems like damp, wall instability, and poor energy efficiency. At CavClear, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving these common cavity wall problems to protect and restore your property. In this blog, we’ll explore the five most frequent issues with cavity walls and how we can solve them effectively.
1. Damp Issues in Cavity Walls
Damp is one of the most widespread problems found in cavity walls. This often occurs when moisture penetrates the cavity; this can be due to a number of reasons such as faulty brickwork, extreme weather or deteriorated wall ties that allow water to transfer. Damp can cause major issues to your home’s interior, damaging walls or paint, as well as leading to mould growth that affects indoor air quality and overall comfort.
At CavClear, we tackle these issues by identifying the root cause via our damp survey. Whether it be that insulation has gotten damp and needs a full extraction, or, if defective wall ties are contributing to the issue, we replace them with modern, moisture-resistant alternatives to keep your property safe and dry.
You can read more about damp issues and the signs, here.
2. Wall Tie Corrosion or Failure
Wall ties are essential components of cavity walls, holding the inner and outer layers together and maintaining their stability. Over time, older galvanised steel wall ties can corrode, causing them to expand and crack the surrounding mortar. In severe cases, this corrosion can lead to structural instability, putting your home at risk.
We specialise in addressing wall tie failures, which we identify with our wall tie survey. Our team begins with a thorough inspection to identify the extent of the problem. We replace corroded wall ties with modern stainless steel or composite ties, which are designed to resist corrosion and provide lasting durability.
Concerned your wall ties are failing? Check out our blog, here, that covers all the warning signs you should look for and when it’s time to give us a call.
3. Poor or Failing Cavity Wall Insulation
When cavity wall insulation is improperly installed or begins to degrade over time, it can create significant problems. Failing insulation may settle unevenly, leading to cold spots and reduced energy efficiency. In some cases, insulation materials can absorb moisture, exacerbating damp issues and further reducing their effectiveness.
At CavClear, we carefully assess the condition of your existing insulation to determine whether it is performing as it should. If the insulation is damaged or ineffective, we carry out full cavity wall insulation extraction, leaving your cavity dry and empty of any damp causing insulation that may be affecting the interior of your home.
Cavity wall insulation isn’t something we’re typically familiar with, until it becomes an issue that is! In which case you may be looking to learn more, have a read of our blog here which covers everything you need to know!
4. Blocked or Bridged Cavities
Cavity walls rely on a clear gap between their inner and outer layers to function effectively. This gap prevents moisture transfer and aids ventilation to avoid damp and mould. However, this cavity can become blocked by things like excess mortar, or even collapsed insulation, leading to a host of problems including damp and structural issues.
When we encounter blocked or bridged cavities, CavClear steps in to restore them to optimal condition through our thorough extraction process. We also inspect for and repair any damage caused by the obstruction.
5. Cracks or Structural Instability
Cracks in the brickwork or mortar are often a symptom of deeper issues within cavity walls. These cracks can result from wall tie failure, uneven load distribution, or other structural weaknesses. If left unaddressed, they can worsen over time, jeopardising the integrity of your home’s walls.
At CavClear, we take a comprehensive approach to addressing cracks and instability. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we identify the root cause of the issue. Our team then replaces damaged wall ties, restores cracked brickwork, and reinforces weak areas to prevent further deterioration. We aim to provide long-term solutions that ensure your cavity walls remain safe and secure.
Why CavClear is the Right Choice
CavClear combines expertise, advanced materials, and modern techniques to resolve cavity wall problems effectively. Our process begins with a detailed survey to identify any issues, and saving you time and money in the long terms. Whether you need wall ties replaced, insulation removed, or damp repairs, we offer extensive services to suit your property’s unique needs.
We use high-quality materials such as stainless steel wall ties and moisture-resistant insulation, ensuring that our solutions are built to last. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, CavClear is the trusted choice for cavity wall maintenance and repair.
Don’t let cavity wall problems compromise the safety and comfort of your home. If you are dealing with damp, wall tie corrosion, insulation issues, or other cavity wall concerns, let CavClear provide the expert care your property needs. Contact us today to schedule a survey and protect your property for the future.
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