Ever wondered why your house feels chilly even when the heating is on full blast? It could be down to your walls.
Cold walls are a common issue in homes, especially in older properties. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in asking, “Why are my walls so cold?”
Cold walls are usually caused by poor insulation, which is particularly common in older properties with solid walls. Around 35% of heat loss occurs through the walls and gaps around windows and doors. If the walls are not properly insulated, they will transfer heat, allowing the warmth from inside your home to escape outside.
Let’s dive into some practical reasons and solutions to warm up those frosty walls.
What Causes Cold Walls?
Cold walls don’t just happen for no reason. There’s always something behind it, whether it’s insulation, dampness, or something else entirely. Let’s break it down:
- Inadequate Insulation: One of the main culprits for cold walls is poor insulation. If your walls aren’t properly insulated, they’re going to let heat escape, making your home feel like you’re living in a fridge. Without that extra layer to keep the warmth in, your walls will naturally feel cold, and you’ll find it harder to heat your home.
- Dampness: Damp walls are another reason why they feel cold. When moisture seeps into your walls, it reduces their ability to retain heat. In the UK, damp is a common problem due to our often wet weather, and this can make your walls feel colder than they should be.
- Structural Issues: Sometimes, it’s down to the building itself. Cracks in your walls, poor construction, or age can all contribute to heat loss and cold surfaces. Older homes, in particular, are more prone to this because they weren’t built with modern energy efficiency in mind.
Should I Be Worried About Cold Walls?
In short, yes. Cold walls aren’t just an inconvenience; they can signal bigger problems.
Energy Bills on the Rise
When your bedroom and internal walls are cold, it can have serious consequences beyond just making your home uncomfortable. One of the biggest impacts is on your energy bills. Poorly insulated or damp walls let heat escape, causing your heating system to work overtime. This can significantly increase your energy consumption, and many households in the UK are already facing rising costs. It’s reported that homes lacking proper insulation can see energy bills spike as much as 30%, as the heating system must compensate for the continuous heat loss.
Mould and Damp Issues
Cold walls can also lead to mould and damp issues, which pose health risks, particularly to those with conditions like asthma. Damp environments are breeding grounds for mould, which releases spores into the air. These spores can trigger asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and even lead to long-term respiratory issues.
It’s estimated that damp and mould are linked to 5,000 asthma cases annually in the UK, and prolonged exposure can worsen allergies and respiratory conditions. The death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, due to prolonged exposure to mould, highlighted just how dangerous these conditions can be.
Structural Damage
Over time, dampness and the continuous cycle of heating and cooling can cause long-term structural issues. Moisture can seep into the walls, weakening their structural integrity over time.
This can lead to cracks, plaster crumbling, and even more severe issues such as wood rot or brick deterioration. If left untreated, such damage can result in costly repairs, and in some cases, damp walls may lower a property’s value by making it less appealing to buyers.
No one wants to sit shivering in their own living room. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to tackle cold walls and warm up your space.
How Can I Warm Up My Walls?
So how to insulate a cold wall from the inside? To insulate a cold wall from the inside, simply install insulation boards or a stud wall with insulating material, then cover it with plasterboard to reduce heat loss.
- Improve Insulation: This is probably the most effective solution. If your walls aren’t insulated, or the insulation is old and degraded, consider getting cavity wall insulation or internal wall insulation installed. It’s like giving your home a warm coat for winter. Not only will it make the room feel warmer, but it’ll also save you money on heating.
- Check Existing Insulation: Already got insulation? Great! But it’s worth checking to make sure it’s still doing its job. Over time, insulation can settle, which reduces its effectiveness. If there are gaps, it’s not going to work as well, and you’ll feel the chill.
- Install a Radiant Heater: If you want a quick fix, a radiant heater might be the way to go. These nifty devices warm up the surfaces in the room, including your walls, rather than just heating the air. It’s a bit like standing in front of a sunny window, feeling the warmth on your skin.
How Can I Stop My Walls from Becoming Damp?
Dampness is a sneaky problem that often flies under the radar until it’s too late. But don’t worry—there are simple things you can do to prevent your walls from getting damp.
- Improve Ventilation: You need to let your home breathe. Proper ventilation is key to preventing moisture from building up. If you’ve got a bathroom or kitchen that seems to steam up like a sauna, make sure you’ve got extractor fans installed to whisk away all that moisture.
- Utilise Dehumidifiers: A dehumidifier can work wonders in damp rooms. These devices suck moisture from the air, helping to keep your walls dry and reducing the chance of condensation. It’s particularly useful in areas prone to damp, like basements or rooms with single glazing.
- Insulate Pipes: Ever noticed your pipes sweating in cold weather? That’s condensation. Insulating your pipes, especially in cold areas of the house like attics or crawl spaces, can help stop this moisture from settling on your walls.
Other Ways to Reduce Home Heat Loss
Your walls are just one part of the equation when it comes to keeping your home warm. Let’s not forget about the floors, roof, and windows.
- Floor Insulation: Don’t let heat escape through your feet! If your floors are uninsulated, especially if you’ve got a draughty old house, insulating them can make a huge difference. Cold rising from the floor is a common problem in older properties, but insulation can stop that in its tracks.
- Roof Insulation: Heat rises, so if your roof isn’t insulated, you’re practically throwing money away every time you turn on the heating. Insulating your attic or loft will keep that precious warmth from escaping.
- New Windows and Doors: It’s no secret that windows and doors can be a source of draughts and heat loss. Installing double or triple glazing can make a massive difference in keeping the cold out and the warmth in. It’s like giving your house a set of thermals for winter.
Summary
Cold walls might seem like just a small annoyance at first, but they can actually be a sign of more significant issues like poor insulation, dampness, or even structural problems. If you’ve found yourself thinking, “Why are my walls so cold?”, it’s time to take action.
By improving insulation, boosting ventilation, and considering some smart heating solutions like radiant heaters, you can warm up those chilly walls and create a more comfortable home environment. And remember, if damp is causing your walls to feel cold, tackling that moisture head-on with dehumidifiers and proper ventilation will make all the difference.
If you’re struggling to keep your home warm, Damp 2 Dry Solutions is here to help. Whether it’s advice on insulation, dealing with damp, or stopping your home from feeling like an icebox, we’ve got you covered.
We offer tailored solutions for cold walls, damp, and mould in areas like, including Cheshire, Manchester & Lancashire, Liverpool & Merseyside, Warrington, Chester, Stoke-on-Trent and nearby regions.
Our No-Obligation Damp Survey helps you find and fix the root causes of cold and damp in your home, so you can stay warm, dry, and energy-efficient—without any pressure to commit. You’ll get peace of mind, knowing your home is in expert hands.
