Solid Walled & Historic Properties

This page will help you determine whether you have cavity walls or solid walls, which is important when you are considering what type of insulation is best for you.

Houses built after 1930 are most likely to have cavity walls. In cavity wall construction the bricks are all laid side-on, and the wall will be 300mm or 12" thick.

Nearly half of the properties in North Norfolk are solid walled. Generally, houses built before 1930 will have solid walls. The Brick pattern will be alternating side-on and end-on, and the wall will be 225mm or 9" thick. You can estimate the thickness of your walls by measuring at a window or door. If you have an older, solid walled property you need to understand how your property is designed to function, as many insulation measures will not be applicable in your property. Norfolk County Council has produced an advice leaflet on making old buildings energy efficient.

If you are lucky enough to own a historic property then you should take advice from one of the Council's Conservation Officers.

For more information regarding climate change and historic properties, English Heritage has an informative site on how to improve the efficiency of your home without damaging its character. The Energy Saving Trust illustrates some case studies of energy efficient historic homes.