Warm Walls = Cheaper Energy Bills

 

We are about to enter condensation season! 

That time of year when we are inundated with calls from homeowners and tenants complaining about mould growth, wet walls and musty smells.

With heating bills set to rise we anticipate our phone lines being busier than ever.

 

The two main factors involved in condensation control are heating and ventilation. Achieving the correct balance between the two is key to maintaining a moisture vapour free environment. 

 

Unfortunately, the sharp energy price increase will almost certainly result in windows being closed and thermostats turned down. As a result, that careful balance we strive for in temperature and ventilation will be compromised.

 

👀Fact: Damp walls are colder than dry walls. 

 

If you think you’ve got a rising damp issue it would be wise to fix this as soon as possible. Not only is it more expensive to heat a house with damp walls but you are also more likely to experience condensation issues.

To learn more about the signs of rising damp click HERE

 

👀Fact: Poorly insulated homes are more likely to suffer from condensation

 

If you’re living in an old house (pre-1920) it will have been built with 9 inch solid brick walls. These types of properties because of their design are considered high risk in terms of damp and condensation issues.

 

Modern buildings are now designed with cavity walls to provide a gap between the outer and inner skin. Not only does this make the internal side warmer, it also makes it less likely for dampness to migrate through the internal leaf.

As solid walls cannot be filled with cavity wall insulation – what options are we left with?

Avant Garde believe in taking a “fabric first” approach to retrofit insulation. The dual benefit of external wall insulation (EWI) are significant savings on your heating bills along with a transformation of the appearance of your home giving it added “curb appeal”.

 

The concept is simple: 

 

✔A layer of insulation is fixed to the existing external wall. 
✔This layer is finished either with a coat of render or with an alternative cladding to protect it from the elements.

✔Choose from a range of finishing options, including modern render, pebble dash and brickwork.

 

A period property with external wall insulation installed on the flank wall

 

For a typical house external wall insulation starts from about £10,000 

 

A cost effective alternative which Avant Garde are also able to provide is internal wall insulation:

 

✔Insulated plasterboard or thermal drylining is fixed to an existing internal wall 

✔A finishing coat of plaster is applied ready for decoration

✔Increasing the thermal value of internal walls can prevent condensation 

 

 

 

The cost for internal wall insulation is between £40 and £50 per square meter, although this price can vary if a new stud wall is required.

👀Fact: Solid wall insulation can cut your energy bills by up to £930 a year!

 

Since 2003, we have installed solid wall insulation in homes and work premises throughout North and West London, including Ealing and Hemel Hempstead. 

Call us on 0808 196 0401 to find out how we can save you money on your energy bills.