Do I need to know more before we proceed with free cavity wall insulation?

DaisyDoo_3

Hi
Had a bloke knock on our door last week, spoke about FREE cavity wall insulation. Anyway after a short talk and a look at our walls he said we were good to go with it.
As I am now out of work I am looking for ways to reduce our outgoings, so thought it would be a good idea if it helped cut fuel bills down.
Today I receive a letter from them (VNR Contracting Services) regarding our Green Deal Survey, there is no mention of this being a FREEBIE, mind you nor does it mention a figure so question is:
anybody heard of this company, are they reputable, do I need to ask further question. on the paperwork he originally left me it did say on the
Total customer price - FREE


THANKS IN ADVANCE
just feeling a bit dubious about something being offered for nothing

chile_paul

A number of the large energy providers are currently providing free cavity and loft wall insulation - regardless of whether or not you are a customer. This is so that they can meet the governments ECO obligations for promoting energy efficiency (they would get large fines if they didn't hit the targets). As part of the drive to achieve this some of them will be sub-contracting the work to identify suitable properties and do the installations to 3rd parties.

Of course they're not really free as the cost of this whole scheme is spread across everybody's energy bills.

My advice would be the same as to anybody who was considering any sort of building work on their property - check the company out, do your research, ask for details of a customer where they've recently completed the work and go and speak to that customer directly to confirm that they were happy with the work. If for any reason you're not happy with the company that has given you the quote have a look online at any of the major energy suppliers (it's typically the big 6 as the government rules only apply when you have over a certain number of customers) and see whether you would be eligible to apply to them directly to get the work done, it will still be free!

[Deleted User]

Before going ahead with cavity wall insulation check that you have no damp patches anywhere in your walls as this can be made worse by bridging the cavity with insulation.
When most older houses were built the cavity was specifically installed to stop damp from finding its way indoors through the walls so you need to be sure that the insulation material will stop all damp penetration as well as providing insulation.
One the cavity is fillled there's no going back!

oldskoo1

What type of property is it?

My brother had his cavity wall insulation done a couple of years ago. Same house as mine, built with insulating block on the outer walls and dividing walls between rooms, an unfilled cavity which is now filled with foam beads.

Since then he thinks he's noticed it staying warmer but he's also noticed increased condensation and his bills are no lower than mine. Of course that isn't an accurate and factual measure but it demonstrates potentially it isn't always the right option.

For an old property with adequate ventilation already in the form of air bricks and sufficient window vents it might be fine.

TickersPlaysPop

I would pay for an independent qualified building inspector to advise you. I jumped at getting cavity wall insulation and am now aware of the risks, and also think the company I found to do it should have refused to do it.

Old houses 1950's were built to breathe and some built with quite porous bricks, it's a risk of trapping moisture in and leading to all associated moisture problems with walls and internal timber.