Cavity wall removal in Northern Ireland

greerso

Hello. I have the old style cavity wool in my walls and I want it removed to get the new polystyrene foam pumped in. Does anyone know any reputal company's in N.I that would do it at a keen price. Thanks

thenudeone

Mineral wool is still widely used for cavity insulation. I had mine done last year free of charge under the ECO scheme using mineral wool (INSTAFIBRE). It is still an acceptable insulation material under Building Regulations etc.

Is there a specific reason you want a different material? IMO the cost of removing existing insulation would be massive in comparison with the very modest increase in insulation that a different material might give.

greerso

I had thought that the wool no longer met regulations. Is this top up scheme available in N. Ireland do you know

thenudeone

When regulations tighten, there is no obligation for existing buildings to upgrade, otherwise every house in the country would have to have several bits of building work every year just to keep up.

A new house built last year probably won't meet this year's regulations but that doesn't mean much - it can still be occupied and sold.

The ECO (Energy Companies Obligation) scheme was watered down significantly because of the political pressure caused when the energy companies used it as an excuse for high fuel prices, but they still have some obligations to reduce carbon emissions.
They will usually be keenest to fund the schemes with the highest tonne of carbon saving per pound of expenditure, so the older, larger, and more poorly insulated homes will be more likely to get funding.
Mine was done completely FOC for these reasons, (and not because of a low income or being on benefits).

If you already have cavity some insulation I don't expect anyone to replace it with a slightly better product without you having to pay for it, but a survey may reveal that it has moved and could benefit from re-doing.

First stop to find out is to contact you electricity / gas companies, and/or http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northern-ireland

reeac

I'm not familiar with current insulation materials but in the 1970's rock wool cavity filling was considered superior to urea formaldehyde especially with respect to damp proof ness. This could be a consideration where you live.

sk240

Unless there is a problem with your fibre cavity insulation (causing damp etc) then there is no need to change it.
If it is causing a problem then it may be covered by the CIGA guarantee.
if its not covered, then the actual job of removal takes days, and will run into thousands of £ to get it removed.

greerso

I got a quote of 6 grand to vacuum and replace the wool. Think I'll just go for the top up thanks