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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to install loft insulation?
Will it make a mess?
Why should the pipes and water tank be insulated when my loft is insulated?
I am elderly and can’t empty my loft for it to be insulated. Who can help?
Why do I need to install roof ventilators before my loft can be insulated?
How long will it take to install cavity wall insulation?
Does cavity wall insulation cause damp?
Does cavity wall insulation deteriorate over time?
Are there any known problems with cavity wall insulation?
How will cavity wall insulation affect the appearance of my house?

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How long will it take to install loft insulation?

About an hour or two but it will depend on the area of the loft to be insulated, its access and any other work required such as pipe or tank insulation.

Will it make a mess?

No, the installer works inside the house so the majority of any mess made will be in the loft and a reputable installer will clean up after themselves.

Why should the pipes and water tank be insulated when my loft is insulated?

When you insulate the loft, the roof space becomes colder and the risk of pipes and tanks freezing in cold weather is therefore increased. For this reason they must also be insulated. If the loft insulation is being installed through a grant scheme then this is normally included in the price.

I am elderly and can’t empty my loft for it to be insulated. Who can help?

In general, if there are a small number of items and enough space, the installer will move them as he works.  On the other hand, if there is limited space and too many items that restrict movement they will have to be stored elsewhere during the installation. Organisations such as Care & Repair and Age Concern may be able to provide the services of a handy man.

Why do I need to install roof ventilators before my loft can be insulated?

Historically, roof spaces were designed to be warm, thereby ensuring that the water tanks and pipes did not freeze and reducing the risk of condensation building up. However, with the introduction of loft insulation, the roof spaces are colder and without adequate ventilation there is an increased risk of condensation forming as the warm air from the rooms below mixes with the cooler air in the roof. A variety of ventilation techniques can be used such as soffits, tile and ridge vents.  The installation contractor will be able to provide you with the best advice.

How long will it take to install cavity wall insulation?

Depending on the type and location of the house, it usually takes between two and three hours. A survey of the property needs to take place prior to the work starting.  This usually takes about half an hour.

Does cavity wall insulation cause damp?
No, modern cavity wall insulation should actually reduce damp caused by condensation.

Does cavity wall insulation deteriorate over time?

No, modern cavity wall insulation should last the life of the property and come with a 25 year independent (CIGA) guarantee.

Are there any known problems with cavity wall insulation?

Very few these days. However, when the process was in its infancy some years ago, many installers used a material known as Urea Formaldehyde.  This material sometimes helped the transfer of water across the cavity, resulting in damp patches forming on internal walls.

These days Urea Formaldehyde is rarely used, installation techniques and materials have improved considerably. If the external wall appears damaged or there are objects in the cavity that may allow water to cross from the external wall to the internal wall, repairs must be carried out before the installation can happen. In addition all materials must be water repellent and all installations now carry a 25 year independent (CIGA) guarantee.

How will cavity wall insulation affect the appearance of my house?

This depends on the type of finish on the walls but in general installers will try to match the existing finishes so that the work is unnoticeable.  Holes of 18mm-25mm will be drilled in the external walls and the materials from the holes will often be used to fill them afterwards, so even pebble dash wall should be matched.  If the wall is painted then it might be better to carry out the cavity wall insulation prior to repainting to ensure the finish is as intended.