External Wall Insulation Problem – Who’s Fault?

External Wall Insulation Problem – Who’s Fault?

9:36 AM, 15th September 2014, About 10 years ago 2

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I have recently had external wall insulation installed to a number of my rental properties. External Wall Insulation

My problem concerns one property – a mid terrace converted into 2 – one bed flats.

The survey and assessment recommended external or internal wall insulation, I had external wall insulation installed.

Recently the owner of the property at the end of the terrace had cavity wall insulation installed to the front of his property only.

I had no idea that the front of my property has a cavity wall, the back walls really are solid walls.

Could fellow landlords please help to answer the following questions.

(a) Do I have a claim against the survey and assessment organisation who missed the cavity wall at the front of the property to recover the cost of the now unnecessary external wall insulation?
(b) Does external wall insulation fitted to a cavity wall make the external wall insulation useless because the heat from inside the property will leak into the cavity and be lost?
(c) If the heat from inside the property is lost through the cavity should I have cavity wall insulation fitted.
(d) Will the property still qualify for free cavity wall insulation?
(e) If the property does not qualify for free cavity wall insulation, and this is now recommended, should the survey and assessment organisation pay for this?

I know that I have been very very lucky in getting this external wall insulation, but it is upsetting as a private landlord trying to do the best for my tenants to be so badly let down by the professionals. My letters have not been answered, all help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Peter Hunter


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Comments

Neil Patterson

10:53 AM, 15th September 2014, About 10 years ago

I would hope that who ever carried out the insulation and or survey would arrange for the extra wall to be filled for free if you make a complaint.

When I had my Cavity wall insulation I was told that if you leave a gap anywhere it can cause damp issues. However I am not sure if they meant the whole wall.

Ian Narbeth

18:31 PM, 15th September 2014, About 10 years ago

Hi Peter
You say:"The survey and assessment recommended external or internal wall insulation, I had external wall insulation installed. .... Do I have a claim against the survey and assessment organisation who missed the cavity wall at the front of the property to recover the cost of the now unnecessary external wall insulation?"

Would that survey organisation be the same one that flogged you the insulation? I suspect they "recommend" their product on every single one of their "surveys" rather as some "tyre specialists" always recommend you change your car tyres.

What written report did you get from them?
What did it say? If it simply said your house is suitable for external wall insulation and we recommend Product X, you may have no claim unless they commented on the absence of cavity walls.

Does the company still exist? Check that they have not folded and set up a phoenix company with a very similar name.

Before you throw more money at the house it might be worth asking a proper building surveyor to inspect and advise. You'll have to pay a fee but at least you will get an impartial opinion.

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