Council housing on the Riddings Estate, in Deighton, Huddersfield has been revitalised with injected polyurethane foam insulation in the first quarter of 2018. This material provides superior thermal performance so it outperforms other forms of cavity wall insulants. This has resulted in warmer homes for residents and the Energy Performance Certificate ratings have also improved.
Although a standard cavity insulant had been installed some years ago the tenants were finding it difficult to retain the heat in their homes. Additionally, the houses had condensation issues as a result of inadequate ventilation.
Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH), an installer member of the British Urethane Foam Contractors Association was employed to carry out the insulation works. There was minimal disruption to the residents as the works could be carried out from the outside. As the properties already had a cavity insulant which was not performing well, this and any debris sitting within the cavities had to be removed first.
Following this, KNH injected Technitherm closed cell polyurethane foam through bore holes drilled in the external walls. The injected closed cell polyurethane foam provides an insulating barrier and structural stability to the walls.
The installer manages Kirklees Council’s Housing and aims to raise the energy rating of the council’s housing to a minimum of band D by 2020. Carbon emissions have already been reduced by 30% in 2015/16 from a 2005 baseline.
Many residents on the Riddings Estate have remarked that they are now experiencing a reduction in their energy bills, particularly apparent during the first quarter of 2018. The ventilation has also been improved following the insulation works and removal of debris in the cavities.
The British Urethane Foam Contractors Association represents professional installers of sprayed and injected polyurethane foam systems. These are suitable for many different types of domestic or commercial projects including hard-to-treat properties, or where homes are at risk of flooding.
Photo: Council housing on the Riddings Estate has been revitalised