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Last updated: 29 November 2024

Cavity Wall Insulation Soundproofing in the UK: A Complete Guide

  • Cavity wall sound insulation can reduce noise by forming a barrier that absorbs sound vibrations.
  • The biggest benefit of insulation for noise reduction is its ability to improve the acoustic comfort of your home significantly.
  • Cavity wall sound insulation for the average 3-bedroom house in the UK can cost approximately £2,700 and save you up to £235 on your energy bills per year.

Do you live in a noisy area, especially at night or on weekends? Is the sound from a nearby motorway bothering you? Don't worry; cavity wall insulation for soundproofing can be a great alternative to moving to a new house.

Cavity wall insulation, primarily designed for thermal efficiency, can also help reduce noise transmission; however, its effectiveness can vary. This guide will explain cavity wall insulation soundproofing, its importance, how it works, its costs, and its pros and cons. Remember, after reading, it's crucial to consult a specialist for personalised advice before making any decisions.

Thankfully, our service makes finding a reliable professional and comparing quotes a breeze. Simply fill in our short form, and we’ll connect you with up to 3 home-tailored quotes from our vetted experts. Avoid the hassle of endless googling, and click below to get started—it’s quick, simple, and completely free!

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How does acoustic cavity wall insulation work?

The installation of cavity wall insulation serves a dual purpose: primarily reducing heat loss while helping with noise reduction. It's professionally injected into the gap between the outer brick and inner concrete layers of cavity walls without altering a home's appearance. While it offers some soundproofing, its effectiveness varies. For a typical UK 3-bedroom semi-detached house, cavity wall insulation costs around £2700.

Moreover, specialised acoustic cavity insulation might be more effective for significant noise reduction. Quality acoustic insulation reduces noise transmission, creating a more peaceful environment that can improve sleep quality, health, and productivity in both homes and offices.

Good to know!
The three main principles of effective soundproofing are: 1. Decoupling: Breaking direct connections between surfaces to reduce sound transmission. 2. Adding mass: Increasing wall, floor, or ceiling density using materials like Acoustic Plasterboard or Mass-Loaded Vinyl to block airborne sound. 3. Damping: Reducing vibrations using materials that absorb sound energy, similar to a car’s suspension system.

Cavity wall sound insulation cost

The cost of cavity sound insulation in the UK varies widely, with an average estimate of £2,700 for a typical home. However, this price can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as the level of insulation required, wall type, surface area, and cavity thickness. It's highly recommended to consult a professional for an accurate quote.

Here's a breakdown of estimated costs for different insulation types:

Costs and Annual Savings for Different Insulation Types in UK Homes
Insulation type Estimated cost Expected annual savings
Cavity wall (270mm) £2,700 £235
Solid wall (internal) £7,500 £315
Solid wall (external) £12,000 £315
Floor (suspended timber) £4,700 £70
Loft £930 £225
Windows (A Rated) £15,000 £135
Doors £840 – £4,325 £40
These are average estimates. Actual costs and savings may vary depending on specific property characteristics and energy consumption. These costs are averages as of July 2024. Get a local installer to QUOTE now!

Cavity insulation for soundproofing offers a cost-effective solution to improve home energy efficiency and reduce acoustic pollution while providing significant annual savings. Not only this but government grants designed to support homeowners in their insulation efforts further enhance this option's affordability.

Two key schemes, active until March 2026, are part of the UK's strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050:

1. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS):

  • Provides a single home upgrade based on the results of a retrofitting inspection.
  • Apply directly through the UK government portal

2. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme:

  • Takes a more whole-house approach, providing a range of home efficiency upgrades.
  • Makes it compulsory for energy providers to assist eligible households
  • Apply directly  through your energy provider 

Both schemes aim to combat fuel poverty and boost domestic energy efficiency across the UK. They offer reduced-cost or free cavity wall insulation, making it easier for homeowners to improve their properties' energy performance and acoustic comfort.

Pros and cons of soundproofing your cavity wall

Advantages of soundproofing your cavity wall

  • Temperature control: Your house maintains a comfortable climate year-round, staying warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
  • Cost savings: Soundproofing insulation can lower your bills by up to £235 annually and reduce your carbon emissions by 650 kg CO2 per year.
  • Value increase: Property worth may rise due to improved EPC ratings, demonstrating reduced carbon footprint.
  • Longevity: EPS bead or spray foam insulation typically lasts the lifetime of your property, making it a cost-effective, one-time investment.
  • Soundproofing: Insulation reduces noise transmission, creating a quieter, more peaceful living environment

Disadvantages of soundproofing your cavity wall

  • Initial cost: The upfront expense for materials and installation can be significant, especially for whole-house projects.
  • Moisture concerns: If not installed correctly, insulation can trap moisture, potentially leading to mould growth or structural damage.
  • Retrofit difficulties: Adding insulation to an existing structure can be more complicated, disruptive, and potentially damaging than installing it in new construction.

Despite its cons, soundproofing your cavity wall has more long-term advantages than disadvantages. If you still have doubts about the best cavity wall insulation for a new build, we highly recommend requesting multiple quotes to get the best deal.

For more information on soundproofing for retrofits, we highly recommend reading our guide on the best cavity wall insulation for old houses.

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How effective is cavity wall insulation soundproofing?

Cavity wall insulation offers dual benefits of thermal insulation and moderate soundproofing. It creates an extra barrier that absorbs vibrations and reduces noise transmission, particularly for mid to high-frequency sounds. The effectiveness varies based on insulation material, cavity width, and, of course, noise frequencies.

While not a complete soundproofing solution, especially for low-frequency sounds, cavity wall insulation can significantly improve a home's comfort by enhancing acoustic and thermal properties. Some cavity wall constructions can achieve sound insulation ratings of 54 to 60 dB, the same noise level as a normal conversation between two people.

Good to know!

Cavity wall insulation helps reduce airborne sound transmission through walls, as the British Board of Agrément (BBA) has confirmed.

 

These are the sound insulation ratings for various wall constructions:

 

  • Cavity lightweight aggregate block walls (75mm cavity, dry-lined finish) achieve 54 to 60 dB Rw.
  • Dense aggregate concrete block cavity walls (50mm cavity, dry-lined finish) achieve 54 to 60 dB Rw.
  • Autoclaved aerated concrete cavity walls (100mm blocks, 75mm cavity) achieve 54 to 60 dB Rw.

Additional measures, like adding wall mass or using specialised acoustic materials, may be necessary for more substantial noise reduction. The effectiveness of wall sound insulation depends heavily on proper design, installation, and specific construction details.

Should you soundproof your cavity wall?

Acoustic cavity wall insulation effectively reduces noise disturbance, especially in busy areas. While it helps with soundproofing, it may not fully address all noise issues, particularly low-frequency sounds. Specialised acoustic insulation can be more effective for substantial noise reduction.

However, acoustic cavity wall insulation remains effective. Here are some key considerations:

  1. It reduces airborne sound transmission
  2. Effectiveness varies with material, cavity width, and noise frequencies
  3. Can achieve 54 to 60 dB sound insulation ratings
  4. Proper design and installation are crucial

Additional measures may be needed to further reduce noise. Soundproofing cavity walls can significantly improve acoustic properties, but their effectiveness depends on proper implementation. Therefore, professional consultation is vital for the best results.

That said, finding the right installer can often take days of research, involving calling companies and assessing their prices and expertise. Even then, you may not find the best one. If that sounds like too much of a hassle for you, our service has got you covered.

Instead of spending countless hours surfing the web and scheduling phone calls, just complete our short 30-second form, and we’ll take it from there. We can provide you with up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from pre-vetted installers in our network. No charges or obligations apply. Click the button below to receive up to 3 free, non-binding quotes.

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