How can I recognise the difference between a Cavity and a Solid Wall?

Question

It has been suggested to me to have the outer walls of my Home Insulated but I don't know what type of walls I have. Im presuming it's something to do with measurement. I'm interested on how to find out for myself

Answer 1

I'm assuming you're in the UK or else this doesn't work. If it's nine inches thick it's a solid wall. If you look at the wall and you can see the short end of the bricks (the perps) it is a solid wall. If it's post 1960 it's probably a cavity wall. If you know that the inner wall is timber frame or breeze block it's a cavity wall. These are just guidelines an without more information i can't really help.

Answer 2

If it is an outside wall it will probably be solid (usually 9" approx) if built before whenever your local regulations were changed (check with council). Cavity walls will be thicker (approx 12" plus). Also, if the exterior is exposed brick look at the bond (the pattern of construction) and if the ends of the bricks are repeated regularly it will be a solid wall

Answer 3

Drill a hole.

When the drill breaks through the wall but you cant see it on the other side then its cavity.

If you can see it the its a solid wall.

Answer 4

a solid wall has header bricks which means the bricks are laid as normal but there is always one brick on its end, if you know what that means. If you want to check and see if you have cavity, go look into your electric box outside your house, look where the pipe goes down, if you do have cavity there will be a gap. also if the property was built before 1920 theres a high chance it wont have cavity.