cavity wall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist term in construction/architecture)Technical (Construction, Architecture, Surveying), Instructional (DIY, Home Improvement)
Quick answer
What does “cavity wall” mean?
A double-layered wall constructed with two parallel walls (or 'skins' or 'leaves') of masonry (like brick or concrete block), with a continuous air space (the cavity) between them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A double-layered wall constructed with two parallel walls (or 'skins' or 'leaves') of masonry (like brick or concrete block), with a continuous air space (the cavity) between them.
A construction technique designed primarily to prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of a building. The cavity acts as a drainage plane and a break for thermal and sound transmission.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term and concept are identical and standard in both. UK construction has used cavity walls extensively since the early-mid 20th century to combat damp climates. In the US, the term is also standard, though 'wood-frame construction' with sheathing and cladding is more common for houses.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. In the UK, it strongly connotes standard post-1930s brick house construction. In the US, it may more commonly refer to commercial or masonry residential construction.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to the prevalence of this construction method for domestic housing. Common in surveyor reports, building regulations, and renovation contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cavity wall” in a Sentence
[They] constructed + [a/the] cavity wall.[The surveyor] identified + [the] cavity wall + [as the source of the damp].[We] need to install + [cavity wall] insulation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cavity wall” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The builders will cavity-wall the entire extension.
- The property has been cavity-walled and insulated to modern standards.
American English
- The masonry contractor recommended cavity-walling the below-grade sections.
- The plans specify that the façade must be cavity-walled.
adjective
British English
- We need a cavity-wall survey before buying the house.
- Cavity-wall ties were found to be corroded.
American English
- The architect specified a cavity-wall design for moisture control.
- Inspect the cavity-wall construction for proper flashing details.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used by construction firms, insulation companies, and property developers in specifications and quotes.
Academic
Common in architecture, civil engineering, and building physics texts and research.
Everyday
Used by homeowners discussing insulation, damp problems, or renovation work with builders.
Technical
Precise term in building codes, structural engineering drawings, and surveyor reports, often specifying cavity width, insulation type, and tie details.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cavity wall”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cavity wall”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cavity wall”
- Mispronouncing 'cavity' as /keɪvɪti/ instead of /ˈkævəti/.
- Using 'cavity wall' to describe any internal hollow wall (like a partition), which is incorrect.
- Confusing 'cavity wall insulation' with 'loft insulation' or 'solid wall insulation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. Both the inner and outer leaves can be designed to be load-bearing, or often just the inner leaf supports the structure while the outer leaf is a cladding.
Yes, this is called 'cavity wall insulation retrofit'. Small holes are drilled in the outer leaf, and insulating material (like foam or beads) is pumped into the cavity.
A cavity wall has two masonry leaves structurally tied together. A brick veneer wall has a single, non-structural outer layer of brick tied to a framed (usually wood or steel) backing wall, with a cavity for drainage.
They provide some sound reduction, but the primary purpose is thermal and moisture performance. For high sound insulation, specialised acoustic cavity walls with resilient ties and dense insulation are used.
A double-layered wall constructed with two parallel walls (or 'skins' or 'leaves') of masonry (like brick or concrete block), with a continuous air space (the cavity) between them.
Cavity wall is usually technical (construction, architecture, surveying), instructional (diy, home improvement) in register.
Cavity wall: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæv.ə.ti wɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæv.ə.t̬i wɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like talking to a cavity wall. (idiomatic extension meaning 'talking to someone who doesn't listen or understand')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'cavity' in a tooth – it's a hollow space. A 'cavity wall' is a wall with a built-in hollow space in the middle.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SANDWICH: The two masonry layers are the 'bread', and the cavity (sometimes filled) is the 'filling' that provides protection and insulation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY purpose of the cavity in a cavity wall?