Is Rockwool loft insulation no good?

KLRWB1954

I've just had a phone call from Spectrum Energy advising me that Rockwool loft insulation is no longer satisfactory. Apparently, there was a change in the advice given by the government earlier this year which is why they called.
They're not selling anything but there was a surveyor in the area who would do a free check on damp and then provide me with a quote to let me know how much it would cost to install Lapolla which is a new product from Canada.
Is there any truth in this please???
Thank you

FreeBear

The claim that rockwool is no longer satisfactory is a load of bølløcks. What is certain is that you will be given a hard sell for a product that is potentially damaging to your roof. Lopolla is another name for spray foam. See this recent thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6052404

Spray foam gives off cyanide gas as it expands and cures (along with a whole bunch of other unpleasant chemicals). Should it ever catch fire, more toxic fumes will be given off. Want to see how quickly the stuff burns, just look at videos of the Grenfell fire.

Any "free" survey comes with a cost - Usually a hard sell for a worthless product at an inflated price. I had a "free energy survey" conducted earlier in the year. It turned out to be a sales pitch for double glazing at more than twice the price from a local company (even after "discounts", it was still £2K higher). All I wanted was the company name so that I could report them to the ICO for ignoring the TPS register.

KLRWB1954

Thanks FreeBear.
I'll check the link you've supplied.
I looked up Lapolla and it said about vacating the house during installation but there was no mention of the gases given off!!!!!
I think I'll pass on their offer😁😁

Paula_Smith

Spray foam is not good if you have to replace the roof tiles.

nickcc

Sounds like another cold caller chancing their arm. I am always extremely suspicious of unknown companies trying to sell me something over the phone, if I want a so called survey I'll arrange it myself.

Mutton_Geoff

KLRWB1954 wrote: »

I've just had a phone call
They're not selling anything
there was a surveyor in the area

At which point I'd hang up.

tacpot12

There are many situation is which I specify Rockwool, mainly because it does fire rating. I'm not aware of any government advice regarding Rockwool products. Ask Spectrum to point you to this government advice and report it back here as I would be interested in seeing it if I've missed it somehow.

I would never specify a spray foam, because of how bad it can be for the occupants of the property.

HHarry

I nearly got taken in by these guys. They introduced themselves as my 'local conservation officer' so I thought they were from the council.

They knew my house had had cavity wall insulation put in, and said that this product was 'no longer any good' and could cause damp issues. Luckily they had a Surveyor in the area.

Thankfully I twigged and said no thank you.

ANDY597

Currently converting my loft as a self build and it specifies rockwool as part of the insulation requirements.

The previous posters have already given you the best advice.

If it's damp up there I'd be looking for slipped slates or tiles letting in water and then secondly ensuring there is adequate ventilation circulating.

No reason why you can't top up the insulation between joists yourself with a trip to the DIY shop.

bob_a_builder

"They're not selling anything".

Is there any truth in this please???

NO !