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Building elements

Service cavity

A service cavity is a zone on the inside of a wall or ceiling, in front of the vapour barrier, where cables and pipes run without piercing it.

Also known as service void, installation layer, service zone, services batten zone

Battens fixed over the vapour barrier create a gap, typically 45 mm or so, before the internal board. Electrical cables, boxes and small pipes run in that gap, so the airtight layer behind stays unbroken.

The service cavity also makes later changes easier and can hold extra insulation. In prefabricated closed panels it is often where the factory installs conduits and boxes before the inner board goes on.

Related terms
Vapour barrierA vapour barrier is a membrane on the warm side of the insulation that limits how much moisture from indoor air can migrate into the wall or roof. Closed panelA closed panel is a prefabricated wall or roof element that leaves the factory boarded on both faces, with insulation and often windows, services and cladding fitted. Building envelopeThe building envelope is the physical barrier between inside and outside: the external walls, roof, lowest floor, windows and doors.
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