In a time of rising energy bills and growing environmental awareness, more homeowners are turning to energy-saving solutions to improve their property’s efficiency. One of the most impactful upgrades available, particularly for older homes, is solid wall insulation. But what is solid wall insulation exactly, and how can it benefit you? This guide provides an in-depth look at this powerful home improvement measure.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce energy bills, a landlord aiming to upgrade your property, or simply someone interested in sustainable living, understanding solid wall insulation can help you make informed decisions that benefit both your finances and the environment.
The UK has some of the oldest and least energy-efficient housing stock in Europe. Many of these homes were built before 1920, using solid wall construction methods that allow heat to escape easily. Unlike modern cavity walls that can be easily insulated, solid walls do not have a built-in gap to fill. As a result, homes with solid walls lose heat much faster, making them more expensive to heat and less comfortable during colder months.
In addition to higher energy costs, poorly insulated homes contribute significantly to the UK’s overall carbon emissions. Domestic heating accounts for a large share of household emissions, meaning that improving insulation is not only a personal financial decision but also an environmental imperative. Proper insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 45%, making your home significantly warmer and more sustainable.
Solid wall insulation is a method of adding insulating material to homes with solid external walls to reduce heat loss. It involves applying insulation either to the inside or outside of the external walls and covering it with a suitable finish to protect the material and maintain the property’s aesthetic.
There are two main types:
In both cases, the insulation acts as a barrier that significantly slows down the rate at which heat escapes through your walls, helping maintain a more consistent indoor temperature and reducing the demand on your heating system.
Insulating your solid walls offers numerous benefits that can make a noticeable difference in your home’s comfort and efficiency:
However, it’s important to weigh these against a few drawbacks:
Installing solid wall insulation is a specialist task and should only be carried out by qualified professionals. The method and timeline will depend on whether internal or external insulation is chosen.
For internal insulation, the walls are first inspected for signs of damp or structural issues. The surface is cleaned and levelled, and insulation boards (often with integrated vapour barriers) are fixed to the wall. Alternatively, a timber or metal stud wall may be built and filled with mineral wool or another insulant before being covered with plasterboard. Once installed, the surface is skimmed and redecorated. This method takes 1–2 weeks for an average property and can be disruptive, especially if multiple rooms are being worked on simultaneously.
For external insulation, scaffolding is usually required. The external surface is cleaned and any necessary repairs are made. Insulation boards are then fixed to the exterior walls using adhesives and mechanical fixings. A reinforcing mesh is embedded in a base coat of render, followed by a final finish of render or cladding. This method takes 2–3 weeks, depending on the property’s size and the weather, but it is generally less intrusive for residents since the work is done outside.
Both methods require a detailed initial survey to assess the property, determine the best type of insulation, and identify any pre-existing issues that need to be addressed.
The total cost of solid wall insulation depends on several factors, including the size of the property, the insulation method used, accessibility, and the condition of the walls. On average:
While the upfront costs may seem steep, financial assistance is available. Two major schemes include:
Additionally, installing solid wall insulation can increase your home’s market value and energy rating, often resulting in a return on investment within 5 to 10 years through savings on energy bills.
Not all homes are suitable for solid wall insulation, but many are—particularly older properties built before 1920. These homes often have solid brick or stone walls that are prime candidates for either internal or external insulation.
You should consider solid wall insulation if:
A professional survey will help you determine whether your home is suitable and what method of insulation would be most effective.
When thinking about home insulation, it helps to compare different options. Solid wall insulation is one of the most effective upgrades for homes without cavity walls, offering more significant savings and thermal benefits than floor or loft insulation alone.
Many energy-efficient homes use a combination of these measures. A whole-house retrofit approach—where walls, floors, lofts, windows, and heating systems are upgraded together—yields the best results in terms of energy savings and comfort.
At Green Homes Group, we specialise in helping homeowners make smarter, more energy-efficient choices. As experienced surveyors, we offer detailed home assessments that consider the unique features of your property. We provide impartial advice on the best type of solid wall insulation for your needs. Additionally, we work with a trusted network of certified installers to ensure every project is completed to the highest standard.
We’ll guide you through the available government funding options. Our team will assist with all the paperwork so you can take advantage of every opportunity to make your upgrade affordable.
Book your FREE home survey today with Green Homes Group. Take the first step toward a warmer, more cost-efficient, and future-ready home.
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