Walls plaster

Cavity Wall

A cavity wall has two leaves separated by a space, or cavity, designed as part of the wall’s moisture and thermal performance.

The leaves of a cavity wall are connected by wall ties. In many buildings, the outer leaf helps resist weather while the cavity reduces the passage of rainwater to the inner face; construction and insulation vary by age.

Some Edinburgh houses and later extensions use cavity walls, while older stone tenements generally rely on different construction. Do not infer the wall type from its outside appearance alone.

When altering an opening, installing insulation or investigating damp, check the actual cavity, ties, trays and detailing. A blocked cavity or faulty junction can affect how the wall manages water.

Property types

Commonly found in

Tenement Georgian Townhouse Victorian Villa Terraced House Georgian Flat Converted Flat Detached House Semi-detached House

More ways we can help

BUILDING & RENOVATION SERVICES IN EDINBURGH

From full property renovations and structural alterations to kitchen and bathroom installations, loft conversions and bespoke joinery, explore our building services across Edinburgh. Every project is personally managed by Martin Johnstone, coordinating the specialist trades involved from start to finish.