Non-destructive ways of finding out if you have cavity wall insulation

stuart45

Does the corner look like this?

Ergates

stuart45 said:

Does the corner look like this?

No - there are sand stone (presumably) lintels around the windows, but not on the corners.

grumbler

FreeBear said:

Ergates said: Short of drilling a hole in the wall is there any way to tell?

Short answer, no.

If you do drill a hole, it need not be a big one - I have a small USB camera that will fit down an 8mm hole - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154715346925 - Pick a spot behind a down pipe, and a hole will never be noticed once filled.

It can be even smaller, say, 6mm, but the drill bit has to be long.

Drill though the mortar - about 10 cm . Then take the drill bit and usually you'll be able to feel the insulation simply by pushing the drill bit into the cavity. Also, when you drill though the cavity if its some sort of rock wool it usually wraps around the drill bit and sometimes even stops drilling.

Ergates

grumbler said:

FreeBear said:

Ergates said: Short of drilling a hole in the wall is there any way to tell?

Short answer, no.

If you do drill a hole, it need not be a big one - I have a small USB camera that will fit down an 8mm hole - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154715346925 - Pick a spot behind a down pipe, and a hole will never be noticed once filled.

It can be even smaller, say, 6mm, but the drill bit has to be long.

Drill though the mortar - about 10 cm . Then take the drill bit and usually you'll be able to feel the insulation simply by pushing the drill bit into the cavity. Also, when you drill though the cavity if its some sort of rock wool it usually wraps around the drill bit and sometimes even stops drilling.

Problem will be, I can't see the mortar.   But I have an small endoscope type camera anyway.

Sistergold

Remove a brick or two(chisel out) from inside wall in the house and repair back replaster. Suggested from inside wall outside there as outside wall is rendered and wouldn’t want to disturb that 🤷‍♀️. 

##### I have no building experience at all so this is just a wild thought that crossed my mind. So it’s not advice but something I would possibly do if it was important for me to know if my walls were insulated or not. 

### it’s is slightly destructive 

onejrmmrj

If you are competent -

Ensure that the circuit is switched off at the fuse box then remove a socket or light switch and its back box and drill behind that.

grumbler

onejrmmrj said:

If you are competent -

Ensure that the circuit is switched off at the fuse box then remove a socket or light switch and its back box and drill behind that.

A back box can often be difficult to remove, but usually you can drill through it if sure about the cables position behind.

UncleZen

In my meter cupboard there are some gaps, where the cavity can be seen. Check yours.

ris2015

Check top of wall from inside your loft space.

Chickereeeee

ris2015 said:

Check top of wall from inside your loft space.

That's my suggestion. I can put my fingers down the gap there in mine.