Remove failed cavity wall insulation and return your house to a dry, mould free home.
Reasons why your cavity wall insulation has failed
When cavity wall insulation has been installed properly, it can help you to reduce your heating bills and conserve energy. Cavity wall insulation removal is required when this isn’t the case.
It is commonly seen that homes suffer from failed cavity wall insulation, where it has been compromised. Before we discuss the various problems, that could be causing your cavity wall insulation to fail, it’s worth discussing the difference between solid walls and cavity walls and what cavity wall insulation involves.
What if you don’t know if you have cavity wall insulation or not? Generally, if your house was built after the 90’s, it will have insulation installed at point of build. If it is older, its likely your home was not built with insulation and it has been installed since. Houses built after the 1920’s, usually have cavity walls, while those built before the 1920s tend to have solid walls.
Therefore if you are suffering from damp walls and your home was built after 1920, failed cavity wall insulation could be the cause of your damp and cavity wall insulation removal will be needed.
Process Summary
Pre Site Inspection.
Holes drilled over property.
Brick and vents removed just above damp course level to allow the material to be removed.
Compressed air blown through cavity using an agitator whip and directional nozzle to break up material.
Industrial vacuum used to suck insulation out of bottom of cavity.
Bricks and vents replaced.
Material is bagged and removed via our waste carrier licence.
Property is cleaned down.
Photographic evidence from our specialist borescope equipment can be provided on request.




The effects of failed cavity wall insulation on a property interior
Frequently asked questions about cavity wall insulation
Cavity wall insulation removal should only be undertaken by experienced specialists such as LMG Home Improvements, using professional diagnostic techniques and specialist extraction systems.
Resolving damp and moisture-related defects can improve property condition, mortgage suitability, and buyer confidence, which may positively affect property value.
Yes. When undertaken by trained specialists using appropriate equipment, the process is safe and compliant with current building and health standards.
Yes. A professional survey is essential to determine whether cavity wall insulation is causing the issue and whether removal is the correct solution.
LMG Home Improvements provides guarantees on workmanship in line with industry standards. Guarantee terms depend on the scope of works and findings of the survey.
If the insulation is a contributing factor, removal can significantly reduce or eliminate damp problems. A full assessment is required to identify and address all sources of moisture.
Yes. After removal and an appropriate drying period, replacement insulation or alternative energy efficiency measures may be installed if the property is suitable.
Removing defective insulation often improves comfort by eliminating moisture retention and cold bridging. Once the cavity is dry and suitable, alternative insulation solutions can be considered.
Most residential properties can be completed within one to two days, depending on the size of the property, insulation type, and site conditions.
Disruption is minimal. Work is carried out externally, and all access points are repaired to blend with the existing brickwork, render, or wall finish.
Cavity wall insulation is removed by creating controlled access points to the external wall. Small access holes are drilled, and bricks are removed just above the damp proof course (DPC) level to allow full access to the cavity. Compressed air is blown through the cavity to loosen the insulation, which is extracted at exit points at DPC level using an industrial vacuum system. Insulation is also removed below DPC level to prevent future moisture from tracking across insulation between the external and internal wall skins. Once removal is complete, the cavity is inspected, cleared where necessary, and all access points are professionally reinstated to match the existing wall finish.
Most insulation types can be removed, including mineral wool fibre, polystyrene beads, bonded bead systems, and certain foam-based installations, subject to a site inspection.
Common indicators include persistent damp or mould on internal walls, peeling wallpaper or paint, musty odours, cold internal wall surfaces, and moisture issues that continue despite adequate ventilation. A professional survey is required to confirm the cause.
Faulty insulation can result in internal damp patches, mould growth, condensation, cold bridging, reduced energy efficiency, timber decay, corrosion of wall ties, and damage to internal plaster and decorations.
Cavity wall insulation may need to be removed if it has become wet, damaged, displaced, or ineffective. Common causes include rubble or debris left in the cavity during the original construction, which can trap moisture and cause insulation to become sodden. Insulation may also require removal if it was incorrectly installed, leaving voids or uneven coverage within the cavity that allow water to track across to the internal wall leaf. Defects can also occur following window or door replacements, where changes to frames, lintels, or surrounding materials can dislodge insulation or compromise the cavity, leading to damp issues, cold spots, and reduced thermal performance.
Cavity wall insulation removal is the process of safely extracting insulation materials from the cavity between external walls. This is typically required when insulation has become damp, damaged, poorly installed, or is contributing to property defects such as condensation, mould, or penetrating damp.

Exposure Zones
This map highlights areas with high levels of exposure to driving winds, the number one cause of failed cavity wall insulation.
What our customers say
I engaged LMG to help re-render the front of my property, they arrived on time, finished the job pretty quickly and were clear and upfront about the project throughout. I would definitely recommend them.
★★★★★
Very happy with the external wall insulation work LMG has provided and at a reasonable price too. The boys were very friendly and hard working,reliable and the quality of the work is excellent. I was always kept in the loop. I will definitely be contacting them in the near future for work on the inside. Brilliant company!!
★★★★★
Very happy with the work done. Very clean no mess couldn’t fault this company. Recommend LMG Home Improvements to anyone.
★★★★★
After 2 weeks cooling off period, the boys were here the following week, had my house hacked off to bare brick, soffit wall ties done, weather boards replaced, facias and soffits and an acrylic honeysuckle render put on. Looks really good, very happy with the price as Carmarthen builders were much more expensive. In total it took them a whole 7 days to complete the job. My neighbours are very impressed with their work. The only downfall was that I had to keep them in bacon and egg sandwiches, coffee and biscuits. 🙂 Would definitely recommend them.
★★★★★
Recently had some insulation render put on our 2 bed terraced house. After the 2 week cooling off period the chaps were on site & had the job done relatively quickly & for a very competitive price. We’re very happy with our Ardente colour which has set off a mini trend on our street.
I would definitely recommend LMG. We’ve got them back on site in a week to render our extension (which we couldn’t do at the same time due to works on our shed)
★★★★★
Want to say a massive thank you to all the guys at LMG Home Improvements! I’m extremely happy with the outcome! The guys on site have been fantastic throughout and a real credit to your company. Will happily recommend to anyone.
★★★★★
LMG provided a good, reliable quotation for the works that was in line with other quotes obtained. The quality of the insulation and rendering work completed is excellent; including the detailing around windows, pipes and roof line.
Communication with LMG was excellent throughout, with regular updates at each stage of the work. The professionalism of the communication was greatly appreciated, long with helpful advice on the technical points of the insulation system.
Highly recommended.
★★★★★
We are very pleased with the finished rendering to the front of our house, so we are planning to have LMG do the back next year.
The workmen were very friendly, easy to talk to and listened to our requirements, telling us what would happen, why and when. We felt they had pride in their work.
★★★★★
Very happy with the work done. Very clean and no mess. Couldn’t fault the company. Recommend LMG Home Improvements to anyone.
★★★★★











