Cavity wall insulators install insulation material into the cavity space between the inner and outer walls of new and existing buildings. They also fit loft insulation, draught-proofing and install soundproofing materials in buildings. Insulation materials include:

• foam
• expanded polystyrene beads
• granules
• mineral wool (fibreglass).

Insulators must make sure that materials and techniques comply with Building Regulations.

Operatives normally work in a team of two, carrying out pre-installation surveys to judge the suitability of a property for insulation. The mark out existing ventilation points together with wiring and pipework and the amount of insulation needed is calculated and brought to the site.

Insulators drill a pattern of horizontal and vertical holes in the walls of the building, using hand-held electric or pneumatic drills. They drill different parts of the wall and temporarily sealed existing openings, such as air vents. This allows them to install the insulation 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.

Installers perform a post-installation survey to check all airbricks and flues are cleared of any surplus material.

Hours and Environment

Cavity wall insulators work around 45 hours a week, sometimes including 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 within a wide area, so a driving licence will normally be required.

Skills and Interests

To be a cavity wall insulator you should:

• be able to follow written and spoken instructions
• have manual skills for operating drills and other equipment
• have numerical ability to calculate cavity space and material quantities
• be physical fit
• be comfortable working at heights
• be able to work in a team
• be aware of health and safety issues.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements, but some employers may look for some GCSEs/S grades, or equivalent, in subjects such as maths, English, and design and technology. General construction courses, which are widely available at local colleges, can offer a useful background for the role, although they are not essential.

You normally have to apply to firms directly to work in this field. Some experience of using power tools and knowledge of basic brickwork is helpful.

For information about careers in the construction field, contact ConstructionSkills.

Training

Trainees work with experienced cavity wall insulators and attend short courses run by the manufacturers. It takes three to six months to become proficient.

If you are employed in the industry, you can work towards the NVQ Level 2 Insulation and Building Treatments (Construction). Units include:

• external wall insulation
• cavity wall insulation
• loft insulation
• damp-proofing.

For details about the NVQ and assessment centres, see the National Energy Action website in Further Information.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
By 2010, workers within the construction sector must hold a CSCS card or register with an affiliated scheme. Many construction firms and their clients already insist that workers hold a relevant card to work on site. To receive a card, you must hold an NVQ/SVQ or acceptable equivalent and pass a health and safety assessment.

Your card will be graded according to your qualifications and experience. If you are an experienced worker without formal qualifications, you can use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your card.

For details about the CSCS scheme, gradings, equivalent qualifications and applications, contact CSCS or SkillsDirect. See the ConstructionSkills website for more information about the health and safety test, training providers, OSAT and EWPA.

Opportunities

Opportunities are good, as housing authorities, construction companies and industry strive to meet energy efficiency and conservation guidleines.

The cavity wall insulation business is dominated by small firms, usually with between two and six employees. The majority of firms are located in urban areas. 

Career progression generally involves insulators moving into self-employment, setting up their own firms.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainees can earn around £11,500 a year.
With experience this rises to £16,000.
Senior installers can earn up to £20,000 a year.

Some contracts, particularly for self-employed installers, pay by the square metre.

Further information

Tel: 0870 417 8777 St Andrew's House
90-92 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SG Tel: 0870 8505262 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577