Avoiding Errors When Insulating Cavity Walls: A Blunder to Avoid During Installation
In the world of home construction, cavity wall closers play a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency and preventing water ingress. These essential components are seals around openings such as windows and doors in cavity walls.
Retailers like Travis Perkins and Wickes stock cavity wall closers, making them easily accessible for homeowners and builders. Variable-width closers, designed for installation after the wall has been built, can also be found at online retailers such as the Insulation Superstore.
When installing cavity wall closers, it is recommended to place them horizontally across the cavity opening to ensure a tight fit against the inner and outer walls. Some closers have flanges on either side that sit on the brick and blockwork, creating a seal, while others have only one flange.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to fix the closers in place with masonry fixings along the flange to prevent movement and gaps. It is also important to measure and correctly prepare the width of the cavity before installation to ensure the correct size is selected.
Limit the number of butt joints used when installing cavity wall closers, as more gaps can negatively impact their performance. It is advisable to use one complete strip along each vertical or horizontal section of the opening, rather than pushing two or more smaller strips together.
During installation, it is crucial to ensure that there is nothing impeding the cavity closer, such as wall insulation or lumps of mortar. After installation, it is necessary to closely inspect the cavity closer to ensure it is securely fixed and any excess material should be trimmed. It may also be necessary to apply additional sealing to any remaining gaps.
Construction expert Thomas Goodman, from myjobquote, emphasizes the importance of cavity wall closers in modern homes. He warns that installing closers with loose fits can lead to significant heat loss and cold bridging. He also provides advice on avoiding the pitfalls of closer installation and ensuring successful installation without any mishaps.
DIY Instagram influencer Scott Baggaley recently highlighted the issue of first-time self-builders failing to leave enough gap for cavity wall closers when installing insulation, resulting in the need to trim it back. This underscores the importance of considering the width of closers during installation.
Pre-formed cavity wall closers, typically made from uPVC and insulation, minimize heat transfer and reduce water ingress, condensation, and damp. These closers are designed to be fitted during the construction of the wall and can be purchased inexpensively at Wickes.
In conclusion, cavity wall closers are an essential component in home construction, providing numerous benefits in terms of energy efficiency and water resistance. By following the recommended installation practices and choosing the correct size and type of cavity wall closer, homeowners and builders can ensure a successful and efficient installation.
