Grants for insulating non-cavity external walls

Kallisti

Anyone know if it's possible to get a grant (someone on UC) for a wall that's not got a cavity? Social housing neighbours have cladding, but it's totally unaffordable without some sort of help!

It's possible to get help spraying cavity wall and loft insulation but can't it also apply to these buildings? Seems they're in more need of it!

FreeBear

There is a problem with installing insulation on a solid brick or stone wall. It must be correctly with a great deal of attention paid to the detailing or you end up with massive damp problems and serious damage to the fabric of the building.

External wall insulation should be "breathable" and finished with a pure lime render. Have a look at the Pavatex range of products.

Internal wall insulation, you can again use that Pavatex range, or go with Celtex/Kingspan topped off with plasterboard. An air gap between the insulation and wall is required, and trickle vents to the outside should be installed. Sealing and ensuring no damp can track across to the internal woodwork is critical.

There is also the option of hemp plaster which is claimed to have insulating properties - Based on the reports I've had from a work colleague that used the stuff on her cottage, it isn't worth the effort. Also avoid any spray-on foam insulation, especially in the loft space. It will trap moisture and cause the roof timbers to rot pretty quickly.

As for grants for this type of work - Nothing available from central government that I know of. Your local council may have funding available, but there would be strings attached. There is also rumour of the Green Deal (or something similar) coming back. It was a poorly thought out scheme (scam) at the time, and I doubt version two will be any better. GD was in effect a loan (with interest due), paid back by savings on the cost of energy. In most cases, the savings are less than the interest payments, so the loan never gets repaid.

In the short term, I'd suggest sealing the draughts that are taking what little heat you have away. Try to keep the property as dry as possible, and wear an extra jumper during the winter months. Have a talk with your local council and see what funding they have available, and make plans to do the work next spring.

Kallisti

Thanks, aware of the pitfalls, is the expense of doing it properly that's the problem. Internal is out of the question, the place is small enough as it is!

Who should I speak to in local council? Is that remotely likely given funding problems they're likely to have?

They cost is so prohibitive is worth it blasting best into the house for many, many years rather than funding the upgrade.