There’s a common misconception that adding insulation to a building can cause dampness or mould. But the truth is, when installed correctly, insulation helps prevent moisture problems and improves the overall health of your premises.
So, let’s break down why insulation gets a bad rap… and why it doesn’t deserve it.
What causes dampness?
Before we dive into insulation’s role, it’s important to understand what really causes dampness in buildings – moisture. And moisture issues typically arise from factors like poor ventilation, leaks or cold surfaces.
Poor ventilation means humid air gets trapped inside the building, leading to condensation. Leaks from roofs, gutters or plumbing can also allow water to seep into a structure. And cold surfaces, such as uninsulated walls, can cause warm air to condense when it comes into contact with them.
It’s important to note that none of these issues are caused by insulation itself. In fact, proper insulation helps combat them.
Insulation can help prevent dampness
Insulation helps regulate temperature by reducing heat loss, which keeps internal surfaces warmer. This means that when warm air inside the building hits the walls or windows, it’s less likely to cool down and condense into moisture. By keeping surfaces warmer and above the dew point (the temperature at which condensation occurs), insulation helps prevent condensation, which is often the source of dampness.
Another way insulation helps is by encouraging better ventilation. When insulation is added as part of an energy efficiency upgrade, it’s often paired with improved ventilation systems, such as extractor fans or mechanical ventilation. These systems ensure that excess moisture is circulated and removed from the building, preventing it from settling on walls and other surfaces.
A good insulation installer is key
If dampness appears after insulation has been installed, the issue is likely due to poor installation rather than the insulation itself. One common mistake is blocking ventilation points like air bricks or eaves, which can trap moisture inside. Another issue can be improper sealing, leading to heat escaping through gaps in the insulation, known as thermal bridging, which creates cold spots prone to condensation. In some cases, dampness problems already present in a building, such as leaks or rising damp, aren’t addressed before the insulation is added. This can trap existing moisture, causing further problems.
Business Energy Scotland recommends working with an installer offering an insurance backed warranty, such as CIGA or SWIGA, for wall insulation. And that you get at least three quotes from contractors that are certified by the National Insulation Association which represents the insulation industry in the UK.
You can also make use of the Green Network For Businesses to find businesses near you that have already upgraded insulation and what lessons they can share.
Insulation is part of the solution, not the problem
The idea that insulation causes dampness is a myth. When installed and maintained properly, insulation helps reduce the risk of condensation and dampness by keeping surfaces warmer and improving overall energy efficiency. The key is ensuring proper installation and ventilation to prevent moisture from becoming trapped.
So, if you’re considering upgrading your building’s insulation, don’t let fears about dampness hold you back. In the long run, a well-insulated and well-ventilated building is less prone to moisture problems, not more.
We’re here to help
If you are an SME with a site in Scotland and would like help upgrading insulation, we can arrange for a specialist to provide free and impartial advice. Get in touch today.
See what other businesses have done
We have worked with a number of businesses that have upgraded their insulation and gone on to make savings. Click below to read their stories:
Get the next blog post sent straight to your inbox
If you liked this blog post, make sure you sign up to our regular ezine, The Bottom Line. It’s an easy way to keep up to date with all the latest updates including grants and funding, free training, case studies, the latest blogs and other useful resources that can help your organisation improve its environmental performance, save resources and save money.