Retro-fit cavity wall insulation

SuzieSue

Credit-Crunched wrote: »

So free loft insulation seems like a no brainer.

As long as you don't put too much and/or cover up the vents otherwise you will have condensation in the loft.

My house was built 18 years ago but I have not added any more insulation even though it is free as I still have pipes up there and am more concerned about them freezing.

Senora

ManuelG wrote: »

Hmm, so MSE came to mind when I got visited by a salesman today trying to get me to take out a free retro-fitting of cavity wall insulation. My house has not been insulated, virtually the entire estate has, bar about three of us!

But... my house seems plenty warm enough to me, regardless! I barely need the heating on, except in super-cold spells (think I've had it on throughout the evening four times this winter). I also don't suffer damp, despite drying clothes inside, forgetting to open windows... all the things this site tells people off for doing.

So are there benefits to getting the insulation done? This thread sprang to mind, and I read the Telegraph report included in it. tbh both put me off somewhat! I honestly don't see how much money I could save on my fuel bills, however free it is.

Am I just being stupid and overly cautious, however?

Not being too cautious ! We live in a block of apartments facing the Irish Sea, our committee decided to take advantage of the 'free' insulation about 18 months ago , since then in our apartment we have had many, many problems with damp penetrating across the cavity.

At the moment, our lounge wall in covered in black mould and damp patches - these have been visible for over a year now. The company surveyor suggested removing bricks below the windows (we are on the the third floor) we can see that there are pockets where the foam has not filled, which are collecting water and transferring it across to the inner wall. This is affecting every room which faces the sea.

It appears that no one can come up with a solution other than to remove the stuff, an impossibility considering the size of the building and the fact that many of the residents are not having any problems.

A cavity wall is there for a reason, to prevent the ingress of moisture to the inner wall. I would say to you BE VERY CAUTIOUS!

Furts

Senora wrote: »

Not being too cautious ! We live in a block of apartments facing the Irish Sea, our committee decided to take advantage of the 'free' insulation about 18 months ago , since then in our apartment we have had many, many problems with damp penetrating across the cavity.

At the moment, our lounge wall in covered in black mould and damp patches - these have been visible for over a year now. The company surveyor suggested removing bricks below the windows (we are on the the third floor) we can see that there are pockets where the foam has not filled, which are collecting water and transferring it across to the inner wall. This is affecting every room which faces the sea.

It appears that no one can come up with a solution other than to remove the stuff, an impossibility considering the size of the building and the fact that many of the residents are not having any problems.

A cavity wall is there for a reason, to prevent the ingress of moisture to the inner wall. I would say to you BE VERY CAUTIOUS!

Here you need to take up the matter with your committee. Their actions were foolhardy and inexcusable. They fly in the face of all accepted professional building wisdom. To seek a professional report or letter would have cost peanuts in relation to the problems you now face. Further the cost of such a letter would perhaps represent a bill to each resident of well under £10 per apartment.

I suspect all apartment holders are paying fees into a fund. The fund exists for maintenance and perhaps improvements. The fund should have met the cost of a professional instead of being used to damage various apartments.

I am also concerned by your reference to foam - I have come across fibre and beads but thought foam had died out. Perhaps you could enlighten us all on the product and the installation company

You are right to say "BE VERY CAUTIOUS" but this does not only apply to CWI sales people. How do your commitee members feel over all this?

I wonder if there is insurance in place to give protection here. Perhaps something similar to Director's Insurance and this could be used to fund a resolution?

Senora

Hi Furts, Thanks for your response I confirm that so far there has not been any expense to us personally (other than great inconvenience!) as you are correct in saying that our maintenance fees etc cover these types of problems.

Whilst this is an ongoing problem, I am reluctant to name the Company although surfice to say they have 30 years experience albeit as has been said, it actually depends on the fitters !

The material which has been used I believe is Polyurethane Foam Cavity Wall insulation 'Technitherm'

I have to say that the apartment has been warmer following the works, - just damper 😉😉

Furts

Senora wrote: »

Hi Furts, Thanks for your response I confirm that so far there has not been any expense to us personally (other than great inconvenience!) as you are correct in saying that our maintenance fees etc cover these types of problems.

Whilst this is an ongoing problem, I am reluctant to name the Company although surfice to say they have 30 years experience albeit as has been said, it actually depends on the fitters !

The material which has been used I believe is Polyurethane Foam Cavity Wall insulation 'Technitherm'

I have to say that the apartment has been warmer following the works, - just damper 😉😉

Oh dear! General principles are such products are banned from use in building new homes in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle Of Man. I mention this because all these areas must be relevant to you as you say you are facing the Irish Sea.

If you have render, or blockwork, or raked out joints on your apartments matters get worse. This rules out so many constructions that you are only left with brick. However tradition dictates much render in coastal areas because brick can be so porous! So it becomes a Catch 22.

General wisdom is do not have fully filled cavities in coastal areas which is why it is banned!

Of course once the homes are built the owners can do as they please - the ban exists in order to build and hand over satisfactory homes. This protects the builders and the warranty providers.

Senora

when/If, we ever get the problem resolved I will try to report the outcome on this forum - wish us luck!!