Cavity wall insulation

1worrieddad · 5 Jun 2011

Anyone else heard of damp problems following cavity wall insulation?
We have lived in the same house for 20 years. Around 2 years ago we had the walls done and since then we've noticed water running down the walls and the ceiling and wall corners have gradually got black mould spots/peeling wallpaper and a slight general damp smell.
Anyone else experienced this? any one got any ideas? can we sue the contractor?

HELP PLEASE

^woody^ · 5 Jun 2011

You have altered the fine balance between ventilation, temperature and humidity and now seem to have a condensation issue - which is not the result of negligence of the insulation installers or a fault with the work.

You can't sue the contractor ... well you could but the claim would not succeed.

You need to read up on condensation problems and take the necessary action

garyo · 5 Jun 2011

There's often guidance that you shouldn't cavity insulate a north facing wall if it's continually subject to particularly bad weather, driving rain, etc, because the new insulation can act as a damp bridge between the outer and inner skin.

this varies depending on where you are in the county, how exposed your house is, etc.

Is all the obvious stuff in good condition - guttering, downpipes, rendering?

^woody^ · 5 Jun 2011

garyo said:
Is all the obvious stuff in good condition - guttering, downpipes, rendering?

The OP's symptoms are not those of penetrating dampness

JohnD · 5 Jun 2011

did you by any chance have new windows fitted shortly before this damp occurred?

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Cavity wall insulation

1worrieddad

^woody^

garyo

^woody^

JohnD

DIYnot Local

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