Old cavity wall insulation

[zenemu]

Hi we have a house which had Urea Formaldehyde insulation sometime in the 1970's. We recently had a chap out to examine the walls for cavity wall insulation and he said that the insulation had disitergrated and would need removing before he could proceed with agreeing to a grant.

So how easy is Urea Formaldehyde to remove (I am aware the stuff is toxic), and is it possible to simply add more modern kinds of insulation to the Urea Formaldehyde now it has disintergrated without removing it?

Thanks

 

[anobium]

Sorry mate but unless you are prepared to remove the external brickwork it cannot be removed.
If it was the very early foam it solidified when it was put in the cavities, unlike later beaded types, rockwool, and glass fibre which are loose fill.
Even these are very difficult to remove completely.
The only chance you may have is to try and locate the paperwork of the company who installed it, and if they are still in business make a claim under the guarantee.
Most gave guarantees ranging from 20 to 30 years.
Good luck.