Free Cavity Wall Insulation Bristol – FAQ’s
There are two pathways to qualify for a grant:
- The General Group
- The “Low Income” Group
For the General Group qualification:
- You must meet two criteria:
- Your Council Tax Banding in England must be an A, B, C, or D, or in Wales an A to E. Your banding can be found on Gov.Uk.
- Your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating must be a D, E, F, or G, which can be checked on the EPC Register.
These criteria apply to both owner-occupiers and privately renting tenants (with Landlord’s consent). However, for Cavity Wall Insulation, privately renting tenants must also be in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
For the “Low Income” Group qualification:
The personal qualification criteria are benefit-based, and your EPC rating must be a D, E, F, or G.
- Qualifying benefits include:
- Pension Credit
- Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Universal Credit (No income threshold)
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Tax Credits (including Working and Child Tax Credits, No income threshold)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit (NEW)
- Child Benefit/Family Allowance (Income Thresholds apply, see table below)
You would qualify for a grant if you claim Child Benefit and your annual income does not exceed the appropriate threshold. The threshold varies based on your household composition. For example, a household with two adults and two children would have an income threshold of £32,300. A person under the age of 20 in approved education or training can be counted as a child. The income is based on total GROSS household income
| Number of children | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 1 adult household | £19,900 | £24,800 | £29,600 | £34,500 |
| 2 adult household | £27,500 | £32,300 | £37,200 | £42,000 |
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
We always use “SuperBead” Polystyrene Beads. We do not use mineral fibre cavity wall insulation such as “RockWool”.
Here is a 6-minute video showing you how cavity walls are insulated. It also shows why “Super Bead” does not cause damp.
Polystyrene Bead is a much better material for insulating Cavity Walls, but it is more expensive. “SuperBead” cavity wall insulation has been certified for the following.
Thermal properties — “SuperBead” has a declared thermal conductivity of 0.035.
Water resistance — “SuperBead” will resist the transfer of water across the cavity, so no damp caused.
Condensation — “SuperBead” cavity wall insulation will contribute to limiting the risk of condensation because the internal walls will be warmer.
Behaviour in relation to fire — “SuperBead” cavity wall insulation does not prejudice the fire resistance properties of the wall.
Durability — “SuperBead” cavity wall insulation is durable, rot-proof and water-resistant. It is sufficiently stable to remain effective as an insulation for the life of the building.
“SuperBead” cavity wall insulation is up to 20% more efficient than fibre insulation.
The free cavity wall insulation is blown into the cavity with an adhesive which “goes off” in about 20 minutes. There are about 30% fewer holes than using fibre, and the holes are smaller.
This leaves a “solid” blanket of polystyrene wrapped around your home and reduces heat loss through the walls by about 70%.
The polystyrene beads have been thoroughly tested and will not deteriorate over time. They are fully fire-resistant and have BBA approval for use in even the most extreme of conditions.
As a part of the initial survey we also carry out a CAS (Cavity Assessment Survey). The suitability of your walls to be insulated will be carefully assessed.
This is a part of the much-improved quality control measures found in the new free Cavity Wall Insulation Grant scheme. The scheme is now known as The Great British Insulation Scheme(GBIS)
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
Complete this short Enquiry Form
#freecavitywallinsulationinBristol
Have a look at our video to see how a house is insulated.
We do the job in around 2-3 hours for an average 3-bed semi-detached house with easily accessible walls. It is simple, quick – and with no mess.
We drill small holes (about 22mm in size) in the outside wall of your home. The holes are about 1 metre apart. We always insulate from the bottom up.
The exact pattern of the holes is laid down in the British Board of Agrement (BBA) Certificate, which is issued for the material that is being used to insulate the walls.
We always use polystyrene beads.
We then blow the insulation into the cavity using special equipment. Once all the insulation is in, we fill the holes in the brickwork with cement. It is then colour-matched to the render or mortar, so you’ll barely notice them.
Our Installers are among the best in the business. They have been insulating cavity walls for the past 48 years.
They will make good the holes with closely matching filler. You will have a first-class result with the minimum of fuss and disruption.
Most of our customers are amazed at how quickly and neatly this operation can be carried out. Our work is also guaranteed for 25 years by CIGA – the government-backed Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
If your residence was built before 1925, chances are its outer walls consist of two layers of brick with a gap, known as a cavity, between them, secured with wall ties.
This structure is called a Cavity Wall.
In Bristol, Free Cavity Wall Insulation fills this gap, retaining warmth and consequently reducing energy consumption. Moreover, it can mitigate or eliminate condensation issues within your home, particularly on external walls.
Your property is usually eligible for complimentary cavity wall insulation in Cardiff if:
- The external walls are unfilled cavity walls.
- The cavity measures at least 50mm in width.
- The masonry or brickwork of your dwelling is in reasonably sound condition.
However, it’s not quite that straightforward.
As part of the initial evaluation, we conduct a thorough Cavity Assessment Survey, overseen and verified by the IAA (Installation Assurance Authority).
The suitability of the walls for insulation is determined through an extensive property survey. This involves drilling a small test hole into each elevation’s wall, inserting a borescope to inspect the cavity, capturing cavity images, and recording cavity depth measurements.
Every wall is meticulously examined, and any necessary remedial actions, such as addressing cracks or unfilled holes, are documented. These remedial tasks must be completed before insulation can proceed.
Additionally, gutters and downpipes are inspected for leaks, blockages, spillage, and proper drainage.
The whole survey typically takes around 2 hours and is provided free of charge.
Subsequently, the survey report and accompanying photographs are uploaded to the IAA platform for auditing purposes.
These stringent quality control measures are integral to the enhanced standards of the new Free Cavity Wall Insulation Grant scheme.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
Firstly, not all homes have cavity walls, and not all those with a cavity are suitable to be insulated.
Prior to 1920, cavity walls were uncommon. Most houses were constructed using solid materials like stone or brick (with two brick walls placed side by side). However, solid walls (whether stone or brick) often faced issues with dampness, leading to health problems like pneumonia and even fatalities.
Cavity walls emerged as a solution to these dampness concerns. Consisting of two brick walls with a gap between them, they became increasingly prevalent during the 1920s, eventually becoming the standard construction method by the 1930s.
In principle, all homes built post-1930 should be suitable for cavity wall insulation, pending a survey. However, it’s crucial to reiterate that suitability depends on the findings of the survey.
There are three primary exceptions to this:
- Concrete properties, typically former Council houses, may have an unfilled cavity. However, insulating them is not advisable due to the risk of “Concrete Cancer.”
- Timber-framed properties feature a brick external wall with an internal wooden frame, insulated within the frame and covered with plasterboard.
- Properties constructed after 1982 should have been insulated during construction to comply with new building regulations. Nevertheless, many properties built during the 1980s and 1990s lack insulation. Subject to survey, these properties could potentially benefit from insulation.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
As stated by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA), damp issues occur in 3 out of every 1,000 homes following insulation.
The historical challenges with damp and cavity wall insulation (CWI) primarily stem from mismatches between the insulation type and the walls’ suitability and the lack of a pre-install survey.
Previously, Rockwool was the primary insulation material for cavity walls in Bristol. However, it has been replaced by polystyrene beads, which offer superior performance for cavity wall insulation. You can watch this 6-minute video which confirms this.
Initially, the use of small white polystyrene beads akin to those in bean bags led to some problems due to their small size, structure, and lack of water resistance. However, today, larger grey/silver polystyrene beads, shaped like half a coffee bean or a mix of differently sized beads, are used. These beads are also treated with a water repellent.
A significant issue arose when door-to-door salespeople offered free CWI without conducting pre-installation surveys. Consequently, homes unsuitable for insulation were insulated, exacerbating the problem.
To address this, in April 2017, the British Board of Agrément (BBA) took charge of ensuring that unsuitable homes wouldn’t receive insulation, leading to the establishment of the Cavity Assessment Surveillance Scheme (CASS).
In October 2018, CIGA assumed responsibility for the scheme, overseen by the Insulation Assurance Authority (IAA).
The CAS entails a comprehensive property survey lasting approximately 2 hours, including camera shots of the cavity interior and other relevant factors. These factors encompass property age, wall condition, cavity depth, damp-proof course status, construction type, gutter and downpipe condition, and debris in cavities, among others.
Leaking gutters and downpipes are identified as significant contributors to home dampness.
Survey data and photographs are uploaded to the IAA platform for auditing. Each survey undergoes desktop auditing by the IAA, with 1 in 10 surveys subject to on-site verification by an IAA surveyor.
This rigorous quality control process aims to address historical issues with inappropriate insulation and mitigate dampness resulting from cavity wall insulation. While previously, CIGA reported potential issues in 3 out of every 1,000 properties with CWI, the CAS survey is expected to further reduce this figure.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
If there are any damp patches present inside your house on your external walls, insulation should not proceed until the cause of the damp is resolved.
In fact, the presence of damp will lead to a failed CAS survey, disqualifying the property from receiving free cavity wall insulation.
To qualify for a grant, a 25-year guarantee must be secured. This guarantee is contingent upon the property passing a CAS survey. Therefore, if damp is present, the property is ineligible for a Government Insulation Grant – it’s as straightforward as that.
If the issue appears to be “Black Mould / Spots,” it is likely a case of condensation rather than damp. Dampness often accompanies a “white fur” (crystallized salts).
Statistics indicate that condensation is typically a result of lifestyle factors rather than structural issues. However, free cavity wall insulation can contribute to reducing or eliminating condensation by maintaining warmer internal walls.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
Indeed, free cavity wall insulation can play a significant role in reducing condensation issues.
Condensation occurs when humid air encounters a cold surface. The air, holding more moisture when warmer, releases some of this moisture upon cooling upon contact with a colder surface.
Failure to promptly dry the cold surface can lead to the formation of black mould.
Insulating cavity walls results in warmer interior walls, reducing the likelihood of condensation occurring. Consequently, free cavity wall insulation can effectively minimize or eliminate condensation and the associated black mould growth.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
Indeed, free cavity wall insulation comes with a 25-year guarantee issued by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA).
CIGA offers independent 25-year guarantees for Free Cavity Wall Insulation in Bristol, installed by registered installers across the UK and Channel Islands. However, a guarantee is only issued upon the property passing a CAS survey.
A government grant is contingent upon receiving a CIGA guarantee.
The government recognizes cavity wall insulation as “the most cost-effective energy-saving measure for most homeowners” and a significant contributor to carbon emission reduction.
Established in consultation with the Government’s Energy, Environment, and Waste Directorate (a division of DETR), CIGA aims to provide homeowners with an independent, consistent, and reliable guarantee covering material and workmanship defects.
Independent research conducted for the Department of the Environment, Transport, and the Regions (DETR) has affirmed the reliability of cavity wall insulation as a process.
While problems are exceedingly rare, if they arise, CIGA possesses the expertise to promptly address and rectify them. The new CAS survey also minimizes the likelihood of future issues by only insulating suitable walls.
Additionally, CIGA administers the Cavity Wall Insulation Self Certification Scheme (CWISC) in collaboration with the British Board of Agrément. This scheme assures homeowners that work conducted by registered contractors complies with Building Regulations requirements.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
Yes, it is a UK Government Grant. It is called The Great British Insulation Scheme.
The Government have massive legal targets to reduce Carbon Emissions, so they passed the buck.
They gave a Legal Obligation to the Gas and Electricity companies to reduce Carbon Emissions.
This is known as the Energy Company’s Obligation, ECO for short.
We all pay an amount on our fuel bills towards this fund – “the green levy”. We pay 6% of our Gas bills and 11% of our Electricity bills.
The Energy Companies then pay it back through the ECO grants.
So yes, we pay for it in the end, as usual.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
Yes, Free Cavity Wall Insulation in Bristol will reduce your fuel bills. It will also reduce your Carbon Footprint and it can help reduce/eradicate Condensation.
These are the percentages of heat loss through the different parts of a house.
- Walls = 35%.
- Roof = 25%.
- Floor = 15%.
- Draughts = 15%
- Windows = 10%
Uninsulated walls lose 35% of the total heat loss of a house. Free Cavity Wall Insulation will reduce that heat loss from the walls by 70%. Therefore, your heating costs should be reduced by 24.5% (70% x 35%=24.5%)
Be aware of companies that exaggerate this figure. They will state that your bills will be reduced by 35%, but no insulation material will prevent some heat loss through the walls. And it won’t save any of your cooking, lighting etc costs!
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
We handle everything for you, so you can avoid dealing with stacks of paperwork.
During the survey, we take care of all the grant application documentation and ensure your eligibility.
Once the work is completed, we initiate the process to request the grant funds, which are directly transferred to us.
You can rest assured that there’s nothing for you to fret over. Simply enjoy the benefits of reduced fuel bills and a decreased carbon footprint.
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
To book a Free No Obligation Survey
you can call us on
08000 588 544 or 07960 799 681
or
