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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
Green Building Bible, fourth edition (both books)
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Renewable Energy: cavity wall insulation

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    • CommentAuthorrae
    • CommentTimeAug 3rd 2007
     
    Hi All,

    Dh and I have talked for a long time about getting cavity wall insulation.
    My limited knowledge goes back to when I first heard about people having formaldehyde-loaded stuff pumped into their walls and then suffering headaches.
    Since then I have just tarred all cavity wall insulation with the same brush and always resisted it.

    However, it is becoming apparent in the home we are in now, that it really could help us make our home more energy efficient.

    Can anyone tell me what is used now? Is it safe (I don't mean do the Government and service provider's tell us so, I mean is it *really* safe)
    I'd like to know what impact it might have on the health of the people in my home and the environment please.

    many thanks
    Rae x (slightly paranoid it would appear :surprised:)
    • CommentAuthorJohn11668
    • CommentTimeAug 4th 2007
     
    Hi Rae
    I had similar reservations about the injection of Urea Formaldehyde foam more than 25 years ago.
    It seems that problems may occur as a result of batch / mixing problems but remaining odours after the process would ring alarm bells .

    The cowboys who injected my house had evidently never seen the relevant British standard so had no chance whatsoever of adhering to it . Nevertheless the installation was successful and the evidence of that was soon clear.

    I would suggest however if you intend to proceed that you make it clear to the contractors ( wave a copy of the standard under the installers nose) that you intend to ensure that the installation is carried out in accordance with the standard. If he has limited English then ask to speak to his manager.
    Do not pay until you are satisfied. I indeed only paid a £40 deposit and never paid the balance to this day.

    The main areas of deviation were:-
    Failing to adhere to the relevant pitches for injection
    Failing to vary those pitches as required to ensure proper fill around windows and other features.
    Failure to prevent injection spreading below the DPC.
    Failure to clear out ventilation bricks
    Failure to provide a matching filler for the injection holes.

    If you go for UF foam then be there on the day to watch the proceedings and let them know that you know what you are looking for .
    They will undoubtedly be on a price for the job. The temptation to takeshortcuts is immense .
    • CommentAuthortony
    • CommentTimeAug 4th 2007
     
    The other three materials available for injection are either glass or rock-wool fibres or polystyrene spheres. Neither of these have health problems once installed as they are inert. Both do a good job of insulation and both are subject to all the problems outlined above and grants are available too.
    • CommentAuthorrae
    • CommentTimeAug 4th 2007
     
    Hey Tony and John,

    Thank you for taking the time to respond. John, you have given me a lot to go on - thank you so much!

    One of my concerns, Tony, is that we will more than likely be having this work done under the WarmFront grant, which I guess goes with the caveat, beggars can't be choosers. I'm under no illusion that they will use the cheapest method possible.

    At least now I feel empowered to ask relevant questions, so huge thanks to both of you.

    Rae x
    • CommentAuthorrae
    • CommentTimeOct 18th 2007
     
    Just to update that we have now had the cavity wall insulation put in.
    I was shown the rock wool and they explained about its safety to my satisfaction. The job was a little more troublesome than anticipated due to some new health and safety law regarding ladders coming out the day before they were due to do our property. But in the end and three visits later, a team of 3 set to work and finished the job in about 4 hours.

    They had to work from the inside on two walls and gouge around a bit putting vents into the property :confused: but it was all done and I cannot believe the difference.

    It's taken us a couple of weeks to get the heat into the house, iykwim, but now we are really reaping the rewards of it. This morning is was 3 degrees outside, which usually brings our home temp to around 15-16. This morning it was a balmy 18-19 degrees and we hadn't even kept the fire in last night.
    I've even put the summer duvet back of the bed :bigsmile:
    I think our wood pile is going to last us a much longer time this year - yay!

    Thanks again to Tony and John for your suggestions.

    Rae x

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