Research and studies show that many homeowners on the west coast of the United Kingdom, including a huge percentage of those on the Fylde Coast, have reported that homes are covered in black mould and damp. Research has shown that the issues are hidden between the walls.
Cavity wall insulation problems have surfaced across the UK, with approximately 1.5 MILLION homeowners reporting problems in their home. This has occurred because of a government-backed scheme under ‘green tax’ in order to cut heating costs and reduce emissions. However, the plan has completely backfired.
The government-backed scheme saw to fitting all houses built with a cavity between the walls with a new type of insulation that is blown into the wall from a hole made in the brickwork on the outer wall. Many properties were fitted with the insulation by the insulation companies in order to meet the targets set by the government. However, if the property resides on the west coast of the UK, it is highly likely that it is not suitable to have this fitted. This is because of the harsh winds and rain coming from across the Atlantic, which is something everyone in Lytham St Annes has experienced.
The rain penetrates the outer brick wall and damages the insulation that was blown into the wall. The damp and moisture within the cavity will then penetrate through the inner wall allowing mould spores and dampness to form on the inside of the property.
Gaps in the cavity wall insulation itself lead to cold spots which eventually become damp. Secondly the insulation itself can act as a bridge from the external wall to the internal walls, transferring moisture from outside to inside.
Things to look out for would be:
- Peeling wallpaper
- Condensation on windows
- Dark or discoloured patches on walls
- Peeling or cracking paint
- Walls, floors or ceiling that feel cold or damp
- A damp an musty smell
A company just down the road in Blackburn are looking for homeowners who believe they have faulty cavity wall insulation, this could be from inappropriate application, or the position of your property. If you find yourself constantly having to bleach your walls to get rid of damp and mould, or you’re noticing peeling wall paper, bubbling paint or condensation, DESPITE good ventilation, you may have this issue.
Removing the cavity wall insulation can be costly and as it is not the fault of the homeowner, the insurance company who backed the installations set out by the government are being asked to ‘cough up’. If you have any questions or you would like to find out more, contact Housing Triage on 0330 380 0941 or email: info@housingtriage.com
