The largest social housing landlord in the UK has commissioned the British Board of Agrément Consultancy Investigation Training (BBA CIT) to conduct the most comprehensive study of its kind into cavity wall insulation.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has tasked BBA CIT with surveying 1,000 social homes and 300 private homes. The research project is already underway and is expected to be completed next summer with results published later in the year.
Paul Isherwood, the Housing Executive’s Director of Asset Management, said: “This is follow-on research from a study we carried out in 2014 when 206 homes were surveyed. That identified issues with the quality of existing cavity wall insulation in some residential dwellings.
“In some cases, the problems were due to poor installation practices, and the post-inspection methods that are used today were not available in the 1980s. However it is also apparent some dwellings were also insulated where it was inappropriate to do so, due to geographical location, construction type or dwelling condition.
“This is the largest survey of its kind ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. We are confident that the results will provide an evidence base to influence policy within this area in the future.”
Rob McCormack, Director of BBA CIT, said: “We have deployed a team of expert technical assessors across Northern Ireland to carry-out the cavity wall insulation research project. BBA CIT inspectors are applying a specific methodology to assess the performance of cavity wall installations and overall property condition, with all findings and technical recommendations being submitted to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. In addition an Insulation Performance Panel (IPP) formed of colleagues from the Housing Executive, Department for Communities, tenant representation and academics from local universities are providing governance and overseeing the project.
“Northern Ireland is leading the way in developing housing and insulation policy based on strong, operational evidence in the field and we are excited to be part of the project,” added Mr McCormack.
BBA CIT offers independent, expert technical advice and property investigation services to organisations concerned about the performance of insulation products, including cavity wall insulation and external wall insulation. BBA CIT delivers peace of mind about the condition of housing stock and reassurance when properties are being recommended for retrofit intervention works.
BBA CIT’s ultimate aim is to raise housing standards to the benefit of residents and those whose responsibility it is to look after them. CIT is a part of the British Board of Agrément, which was formed in 1966 and offers certification, testing, audit and inspection services to manufacturers of construction products and systems and installer approval.