Velochris
Über Member
Moved into my semi-detached nearly three years ago. Cavity wall insualtion (blown fibre) was installed in 2006.
Last autumn noticed the plaster had crumbled in the corner of a downstairs room. After the heavy rain we had at the end of February the paint started to bubble on the inside of the west facing bedroom (repointed just after we moved in).
After some independent investigations they blamed a number of factors, but said the installation was deficient as no sleeves had been put around the air vents (which will eventually cause rot in the floor joists) and signs of rubble in the cavity.
Claimed on the guarantee and the guarantee agency came today. Had heard lots of horror stories about them but found the chap pretty reasonable.
He said they would remove all vents, sleeve and replace with new vents. They would also remove insualtion from the affected walls, and refill. Finally they would put right the damaged plasterwork.
I was pretty surprised as my preferred option was just to have it all removed and me pay an extra for rubble to be removed.
My concerns with the CIGA approach is that they said any loose rubble will be sucked out but anything bigger may remain. Also wonder if removing/refilling just parts of the insulation will be a good idea. I'd have thought it should be all out and then all refilled.
When I asked if just removal was an option he questioned why, particularly with the price of energy, I would want that. Fair point really as the savings are probably fairly significant given by November I estimate my monthly combines fuel bill will be around £290.00.
I explained I don't want the stress of more damage later on and wonder if the exposed rear is unsuitable.
In fairness he said he would offer removal only as an option as well. If the problems came back or more developed he said the guarantee is to 2031 so they would come back and remove completely.
So, anybody had any experiences of this situation?
Last autumn noticed the plaster had crumbled in the corner of a downstairs room. After the heavy rain we had at the end of February the paint started to bubble on the inside of the west facing bedroom (repointed just after we moved in).
After some independent investigations they blamed a number of factors, but said the installation was deficient as no sleeves had been put around the air vents (which will eventually cause rot in the floor joists) and signs of rubble in the cavity.
Claimed on the guarantee and the guarantee agency came today. Had heard lots of horror stories about them but found the chap pretty reasonable.
He said they would remove all vents, sleeve and replace with new vents. They would also remove insualtion from the affected walls, and refill. Finally they would put right the damaged plasterwork.
I was pretty surprised as my preferred option was just to have it all removed and me pay an extra for rubble to be removed.
My concerns with the CIGA approach is that they said any loose rubble will be sucked out but anything bigger may remain. Also wonder if removing/refilling just parts of the insulation will be a good idea. I'd have thought it should be all out and then all refilled.
When I asked if just removal was an option he questioned why, particularly with the price of energy, I would want that. Fair point really as the savings are probably fairly significant given by November I estimate my monthly combines fuel bill will be around £290.00.
I explained I don't want the stress of more damage later on and wonder if the exposed rear is unsuitable.
In fairness he said he would offer removal only as an option as well. If the problems came back or more developed he said the guarantee is to 2031 so they would come back and remove completely.
So, anybody had any experiences of this situation?