Do I have a cavity?
The cavity is the hollow space between the interior wall and the exterior wall of your home. Initially intended to keep out moisture coming through the walls from outside, this cavity can now be used to insulate the exterior wall. If you’re not sure whether your home has a cavity, there are several ways to find out.
If your exterior wall dates from after World War II, it is likely to have a cavity. To be sure, you can consult the building plans of your home. If you cannot find them, you can request these documents from the registry of your municipality or city subject to a small fee. If your municipal or city authorities are unable to provide your building plans or if you find it too laborious or you quickly want a definitive answer, a number of other aspects may point to the existence of a cavity.
- Your exterior wall consists of bricks laid lengthwise
- Weep holes and/or ventilation grids are present in the wall
- The distance between the interior and exterior of your home is 30 centimetres or more
>> You can measure this at the front door or back door.
For a more definitive answer, you could take more drastic measures, for instance by drilling a hole in a spot where two joints meet. If your drill goes through the wall, you have a cavity wall. If you want to be 100% certain, you could have a specialist company conduct a camera inspection.
This article was published on 12-10-2023. Unless expressly provided otherwise, all information you consult or obtain here is entirely without obligation and for information purposes only. The information applies exclusively to Flanders.