Cavity Wall Insulation Grants

If your property has cavity walls, insulation will greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home. If your house was built within the past ten years, it’s likely that your walls will be insulated as standard. But for those without insulation, you will be losing around 35% of your property’s heat through the walls. Cavity wall insulation grants are available to certain homeowners to cover installation costs and allow you to enjoy the benefits of insulation.

Do I have cavity walls?

Your property has cavity walls if there is a gap between its two exterior walls. While the walls of some properties are solid, if your home was built after 1920 its likely you have cavity walls. To check, you can measure the thickness of your walls at a doorway or window – cavity walls are typically at least 260mm thick. Alternatively, take a look at the exterior brickwork – if your wall has only full brick lengths visible, then this indicates cavity walls also.

Why do you want a Cavity Wall loft insulation Grant?

By adding insulation material to the gap in your cavity walls, heat will be trapped and prevented from escaping. As a result, your home will enjoy an increase in energy efficiency and a reduction in heating bills.

Cavity wall insulation can be made from one of three products – mineral wool, beads / granules, or foamed insulants. A registered installer will insulate the cavity by drilling small holes in the exterior walls, at intervals of around 1m. They’ll then blow insulation into the cavity using specialist equipment, before filling in the holes.

What are the financial benefits?

Based on an average gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms, you could save up to £140 a year on your energy bills. In terms of emissions, that’s preventing around 560kg of carbon dioxide from damaging the earth’s atmosphere. In addition, your home will be more comfortable as it efficiently retains heat in the winter, and stays cool during warm summers.

Is my property suited to cavity wall insulation?

Not all properties with cavity walls will be able to have insulation. You should check:

• The brickwork of your property, which must be in good condition
• The exposure of your exterior walls to driving rain, which may prevent you from having insulation
• Ease of access to your external walls, to allow an installer to carry out their job
• The presence of damp, which you will need to rectify before having insulation

Do I qualify for cavity wall insulation grants?

If your home is currently uninsulated, there is financial help available under both the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) Scheme or the Green Deal.

If you have a low income or are receiving benefits, you may be entitled to receive cavity wall insulation grants under the ECO Scheme. This will fund your cavity wall insulation with no need for repayment. Your location will also determine your eligibility – so it is always worth checking by calling the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 to find out more, or by using a postcode checker tool.

If you are receiving State Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit (with an annual income of £15,860 or less), you will be able to receive cavity wall insulation grants. Other benefits may also apply, as long as you fulfil at least one of the additional requirements. These include: