Tutorial on

Cavity Walls By Er. Ketan Pattekar

What is a Cavity Wall?
Cavity wall is a double
wall consisting of two
separate walls, called
“skins” or “leaves” of
masonry separated by
an air space and joined
together by metal ties
at suitable intervals.

These walls are

generally exterior walls,
although sometimes
used as interior walls
Construction Details
General features:
The two leaves of a cavity wall may
be of equal thickness if it is a non
load bearing wall, or the internal leaf
may be thicker than the external
leaf, to meet the structural
requirements.
The inner and outer skins of the wall
are adequately tied together by
means of special wall ties at the rate
of at least five ties per square meter
of wall.
The cavity should neither be less
than 40 mm nor more than 100 mm in
width.
To prevent moisture to enter, it is
essential to provide a vertical damp
proof course at window and door
reveals. The damp proof course
should be flexible.
Building Regulations
According to building codes the double wall is generally 265mm or 275mm thick,
consisting of 102.5mm inner and outer skins and a 60-70 mm cavity (adequate for 2
storied domestic building) .
The inner leaf is increased to 215 mm or more in thickness when heavier load or floors
have to be supported
Position of Cavity at Foundations:
Cavity Extending up to Concrete
Bed
The cavity extends right upto the base of
the footing, of the footing, with damp
proof course introduced just below the
floor level. This is the more common
arrangement.
However, if the brick work below G.L. is
not carefully constructed, water will
enter through the joints, collect in cavity
and travel through inner leaf, causing
dampness in the flooring.
Position of Cavity at Foundations
Cavity Concreted upto
G
.LThe portion of the cavity between top
the foundation concrete and the G.L. be
of
filled with 1:2:4 concrete at least 150 mm
below D.P.C.
Separate D.P.C. is provided for both the
leaves.
Rain water gaining access to the cavity
through the outer leaf, and collecting in
the cavity may be drained off by the
provision of narrow outlets or weep holes.
Insulation in Cavity Walls
WallTies
Wall ties are mostly mild steel thoroughly galvanised or
dipped in hot tar and sanded to protect from rust.
Stainless steel is used now used.
These are various patterns; the washer shown is to hold
insulation boards in position against the inner leaf.
These ties must be placed at distances not exceeding 900
mm horizontally and 450 mm vertically, and should be
staggered.
Ties must be placed at 300 mm vertical intervals at all
angles and door and window jambs to increase stability.
Weep Holes
 Advantages of cavity walls.
Advantages of cavity walls:

There is no possibility of the moisture travelling from

the outer wall to the inner wall.
 The layer of air in the cavity being non-conductor of
heat, and reduces the transmission of heat from the
external face to internal one.
 This acts as damp barrier, reduces the cooling cost of
the building.
 Economy- A 275 mm cavity wall costs less to construct
than a 328 mm solid wall
Cheaper than exterior or interior wall insulation.
Maintains existing wall thickness.
Minimal disruption to install
Can reduce condensation
Disadvantages
Cavity walls were first built, in exposed coastal areas, in order to keep out wind-driven
rain. Filling the cavity with insulation will always hold the risk that moisture will be able to
find its way across to the inside, whatever the insulation material.
There is also the possibility that the installation will leave unfilled air pockets –causing
‘cold spots’ on the inside walls which attract condensation.
Another problem concerns wall-tie corrosion; cavity insulation makes the outer brick leaf
colder, and therefore wetter, which can accelerate rusting of the wall ties. And if the ties
then have to be replaced, there is no satisfactory way of refilling the holes in the
insulation, whatever the material.
Thermal bridging problems.
Thickness of insulation is restricted by width of cavity.

There are significant number of buildings with mortar droppings on ties within the cavity
which result in penetrating dampness.
Precautions
Damp proof course should be laid separately for two walls.
The cavity should be properly drained and ventilated by providing weep holes.
 Cavity should be kept clear of dropping of mortar or brick, rubbish etc during
construction.
ThankYou!