Exposure to driving rain
Parts of Cumbria, especially the west coast and the fells, are among the most exposed places in the UK to wind-driven rain. Walls facing the prevailing weather take the worst of it.
INSULATION, WEATHER & DAMP
CAVITY WALL INSULATION
& DAMP IN CUMBRIA.
Damp patches on outside walls since the insulation went in? On the exposed West Cumbrian coast and in the fells, driving rain can find a way across a filled cavity.
Arrange a free surveyHow a filled
cavity gets damp.
A cavity wall has an outer and inner leaf with a gap between. The gap stops rain soaking through to the inside. Filling it with insulation can, in the wrong conditions, give water a path across.
The outer wall’s condition
Cracked render, worn pointing and porous brick let more water into the outer leaf, which can then reach the insulation.
Penetrating damp guideHow it was installed
Gaps, debris in the cavity, missing cavity trays over windows or insulation that has slumped can all create damp or cold spots.
Could it be
your insulation?
Signs to look for
- Damp patches on outside walls, often on the side facing the weather
- Damp that started after the insulation was installed
- Patches that get worse after heavy, wind-driven rain
- Cold spots and mould on outside walls
- Damp around windows and doors
What you can check
- When the insulation was installed, and by whom
- Whether you have a CIGA guarantee for it
- The condition of the pointing and render on the affected wall
- Whether gutters or downpipes are overflowing onto that wall
- Whether your home actually has cavity walls, as many older Cumbrian homes don’t
How it’s
put right.
Confirm the cause
We check the pattern of the damp, the outer wall, rainwater goods and the weather side of the house to see whether the insulation is involved.
Fix the route in
Repairs to pointing, render and gutters often help. Where the insulation itself is the problem, it may need removing by a specialist, and we’ll explain why.
Repair inside
Once the wall is drying, damaged plaster is repaired and any mould treated, with advice on when to decorate.
Damp help
across north & west Cumbria.
Send your postcode to confirm availability, including nearby towns and villages.
Check availabilityCarlisle & the north
Carlisle, Brampton, Longtown, Wigton
West Cumbria & the coast
Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Silloth, Aspatria, Egremont, Cleator Moor
Penrith & the northern Lakes
Penrith, Keswick, Cockermouth
Cavity wall insulation & damp
FAQs.
Can cavity wall insulation cause damp?
In some situations, yes: on walls exposed to severe driving rain, where the outer wall is in poor condition, or where the installation was faulty. Many installations cause no problems at all.
How do I claim on a CIGA guarantee?
Contact CIGA with your address and installation details. They’ll explain the process for your guarantee.
Will removing the insulation stop the damp?
If the insulation is the cause, removing it and repairing the outer wall usually does. If water is getting in another way, that needs fixing too.
My house is stone. Does it have a cavity?
Many older Cumbrian homes have solid stone walls with no cavity at all. Damp in those walls has different causes.
Can it cause mould?
Yes. Wet or poorly insulated patches stay colder, and condensation and mould form on them.
Should I avoid insulating my home?
No. Insulation saves energy and keeps homes warmer. The key is choosing a method that suits the wall and its exposure.
YOUR HOME. A CLEARER WAY FORWARD.
BOOK YOUR FREE
SURVEY OR QUOTE.
Damp, ventilation or plastering. Tell us what you need and arrange a free, no-obligation survey or quotation.
