ABSTRACT
This chapter details cavity wall construction and gives both good and bad examples of how it is handled on-site. Cavity wall masonry construction accounts for the majority of new-build housing in the UK, and was designed primarily to keep water away from the internal wall. The chapter examines the advantages and disadvantages with cavity wall construction. Examples of common problems and good practice details are illustrated. Rigid insulation boards have the majority of performance issues, and so these good practice details use a full fill wool insulation, which is considered easier to install continuously around the envelope, leading to better as-built performance. Cavity wall construction can achieve sufficient thermal performance with good practice detailing and installation. The chapter offers guidance on how to deliver energy efficient homes using cavity wall construction.
