Cavity Wall Extraction
Why might I need extraction
It is estimated that over 6 million properties around the UK have had cavity wall insulation installed. And of course the energy efficiency and cost saving make it very popular.
However, we live on an island with a generally damp climate often exposed to high winds and even icy conditions.
This takes its toll on brick work which can lead to gaps opening up in the bricks or pointing. These gaps make the brick vulnerable to water getting into the cavities. The whole point of insulation is to insulate. It stops air flow. The problem with this is that once it becomes wet, it is virtually impossible to dry out.
Instead dampness and cold is drawn through the cavity into the inside of the property. You can see this if there are cold spots on walls in your home or unexplained patches of damp.
Not only can this create uncomfortable living conditions, but the prolonged damp will also rust wall ties, an integral structural part of the property which can eventually mean the inner and outer walls can actually separate.
Damp insulation cannot be ignored. If you suspect your home might be affected, we recommend calling us out as soon as possible.
Damp Proof Course Cleaning
Damp Cavity Walls and Extracted Cavity Walls
Damp proof course is a layer of waterproof material in the wall of a building near the ground, to prevent rising damp.
Cavity walls can become blocked with loose debris such as sand, soil, birds nests, bricks etc which can bridge the Damp Proof Course (DPC) leading to cold and damp penetration often referred to as rising damp.
Our expert team can quickly and cleanly remove this, eliminating the problem and allowing the property to dry and breathe naturally.
How to Remove Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity Wall Extraction Process
The damaged cavity wall insulation material is removed as unobtrusively and cleanly as possible.
Compressed air is blown into the cavity while an industrial vacuum collects the damaged insulation from the bottom of the wall through strategically removed bricks.
A boroscope is used to inspect the cavity throughout the process to ensure all damaged insulation has been completely removed.
The old insulation is then bagged up and removed, while all the brickwork is made good.