Wall Insulation

The UK has some of Europe’s oldest and least energy-efficient housing stock. While homes built from the 1990s onwards are typically insulated, those constructed earlier often lack adequate insulation—or any at all.

For example, many Victorian, Edwardian, and Regency properties in areas such as Brighton and Hove were built with solid brick walls that have no insulation. Loft insulation is also frequently absent in these older homes. Although cavity walls became standard from the 1930s, they were often left unfilled, providing minimal improvement over solid walls in terms of preventing heat loss.

Heat loss is a significant issue, especially in winter. Around one-third of all heat in an uninsulated property escapes through external walls. Unlike party walls—which gain some insulation from neighbouring homes—external walls are fully exposed to the cold, making them a major source of energy inefficiency.

This problem stems from the materials used in construction. Bricks and blocks are poor insulators, allowing heat to pass through easily. Adding insulation to external walls can dramatically reduce heat loss, keeping your home warmer and more energy-efficient.

If your property has uninsulated walls, improving them is a practical step towards lowering energy bills and reducing environmental impact.