Here’s Some Useful Information

Why might I need Cavity Wall Extraction?

Cavity insulation didn’t always used to have the KIWA/BBA certifications which it now needs, this resulted in some businesses using less efficient materials which had a much shorter life span than materials used today.

The main causes of inefficient insulation are:

Replaced Windows can cause insulation to fall out causing void areas.  This will allow damp transfer from the outer skin.

Flooding is a major cause of needing insulation to be removed.  The water penetrates the insulation, therefore, creating damp which allows water to pass from the external wall into the home.

Incorrect Insulation results in the effect on your home to be less than it should be, or non existent!  One of the main reasons for this is the drill holes to insert the insulation were incorrectly spaced, which then leads to cold spots.

How is the insulation removed?

Using a specialised Cavity Wall extraction system, the old insulation material will be broken down using a whip attached to the extraction machine, the broken down insulation will then be sucked out of the wall.  The removed insulation will then be collected into large bags and taken away.  Our specialists will use a boroscope which allows us to look inside the cavity to fully inspect the entire removal process to ensure that all of the damaged or damp insulation has been removed.

If you have concerns about your insulation, contact us and one of our specialists will completed a free non obligation assessment.

Always use a reputable specialist to complete any extraction works to avoid continued problems.  EMRC have attended many property’s that are still experiencing problems, even after cavity wall extractions have been carried out, only to find large pockets of insulation being left in the cavities.

We also offer the following services:

DPC (Damp Proof Course) Clearing

The DPC is a water proof barrier fitted a few bricks up for ground level.  The purpose of the DPC is to stop dampness seeping up from the ground and finding its way into your property.

The DPC can become ineffective due to what is found in the cavity.  Wet insulation will obviously cause a problem, but even if there is no insulation, debris can be found sitting in the cavity, this unfortunately, is quite a common problem.

We have cleared many cavities over the years and have found all manner of rubbish in the DPC, including old bricks, soil and slates.

Once the DPC has been thoroughly cleaned, the property can then begin to dry naturally.  This normally takes between 2 and 3 months, then the cavity can once again do the job it was supposed to , keeping rain and damp on the outside!

Wall Tie Replacement

Wall ties are an unseen component found in cavity walls.  The wall ties (also referred to as ‘brick ties’) hold the internal and external walls together.  Wall ties play a vital role in the stability of the building.  Wall ties that have been not been installed to the correct density and pattern, can lead to severe structural problems.  Wall ties are made from a material that is both non-corrosive and fire retardant, and have a special water resistant coating  that helps prevent moisture reaching the inner leaf of the building from outside.

Sometimes there can be problems   that can be traced to the wall ties.  These are usually problems due to age of because they were not installed correctly.  These are usually problems due to age or because they were not installed correctly. These problems can be made worse if there is a damp problem in the cavity wall.

If a problem is identified, it must be pinpointed and dealt with promptly.  Luckily there are visible signs that indicate that there could be a problem with your wall ties – these are:

Visible cracks appearing in the mortar, either vertically or horizontally.

Bulging in the brick work, or if the lintels are lifting or dropping.

Once you suspect a problem, it is best to get professional help to evaluate the extent of the problem.

To establish if there is a problem with the wall ties, our engineers use a metal detector to locate the wall ties then will make holes in the outer leaf of the property and use a boroscope to establish the extent of the problem, if we feel they are not working adequately, new wall ties will be inserted at regular intervals and in accordance with British standards. 

All work is fully guaranteed.