Cavity Wall Insulator
The Work
Cavity wall insulators install insulation material into the cavity space between the walls of new and existing buildings. They also fit loft insulation, draught-proofing and install soundproofing materials within buildings. Insulation materials include foam, expanded polystyrene beads and granules, and mineral wool (fibreglass). Insulation materials and techniques must comply with Building Regulations.
Cavity wall insulators normally work in a team of two, carrying out the installation process.
A pre-installation survey is carried out to judge the suitability of the property for insulation, and to mark out existing ventilation points together with wiring and pipework. The amount of insulation required is calculated and brought to the site.
Insulators then drill small holes in the walls of the building. The holes are drilled to a set pattern horizontally and vertically, using hand-held electric or pneumatic drills. Different parts of the wall may be drilled, and existing openings may be temporarily sealed, depending on the material being used. This allows for the insulation to be applied in a controlled and efficient manner. Installers drill from the outside when working on old buildings, and from the inside on new buildings. They often work from ladders or, on tall buildings, from platforms or cradles.
The insulating material is injected into the cavity space by mechanical pumps in a designated sequence. Once complete, holes are re-filled and mortar re-pointed taking care to colour match it with the original surface.
A post-installation survey is then done to check all airbricks and flues are clear and any surplus material is removed.
Hours and Conditions
The average working week is around 45 hours and may include weekends. The work can be physically demanding and much of it takes place outdoors, in all weathers. Conditions can be dirty, cold, wet and dusty. Installers also work in cramped conditions when working on roof or loft insulation. Protective masks and gloves may be required, particularly when handling mineral wool.
Installers travel from site to site, so a driving licence will normally be required.
Skills and Interests
To be a cavity wall insulator you should:
Training
Training takes place on the job, and follows British Board of Agrément (BBA) / British Standards Institution (BSI) regulations. Trainees work with experienced cavity wall insulators and attend short courses run by the manufacturers. It takes three to six months to become proficient.
For those employed in the industry, you can work towards NVQ Level 2 in Insulation and Remedial Maintenance Operations (Construction). Units include:
For details on the NVQ, contact CITB - Construction Skills for details.
Opportunities
The cavity wall insulation business is dominated by small firms, usually with between two and six employees. There are very few larger companies. The majority of firms are located in urban areas.
Many cavity wall insulators are self-employed. There are limited opportunities for promotion. The few large companies may offer chargehand posts. It is more likely that insulators will progress by moving from employment into self-employment.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.
Trainees may earn around £11,500 a year.
With experience this can rise to £18,000 a year.
Senior installers can earn up to £23,000 a year.
Overtime will increase basic salary ranges.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
National Insulation Association
Tel: 0115 941 1126
www.insulationassociation.org.uk
