Types and Uses
Blown Fibre Insulation is made from fibreglass or mineral wool which has been spun and then treated with a water repellent. It is an entirely dry cavity insulation that is blown in through holes drilled into an external wall. Once the holes have been made, blown fibre is forced into the cavity wall with compressed air via an injection nozzle. The holes are then filled in with mortar.
One of the benefits of this type of insulation is that it can be injected into existing buildings and into any sized cavity wall, as well as being very cost efficient. A pre-installation survey is carried out on a property to assess its suitability and, if you are eligible, grants may be available from the government for this type insulation work to be carried out on your property.
Where to buy blown fibre cavity wall insulation
- The Insta Group - Insta House, Ivanhoe Road, Hogwood business Park, Finchampstead, Berkshire, RG40 4PZ, 0800 526 023
RE: cellar ceiling/ground floor floor.
Can insulation be blown into the cavity wall between the joists to avoid stripping the cellar ceiling ?
In principle, yes.
However, by doing this you are changing the environmental conditions to the property. Presumably the intention is to reduce draughts from the cellar?
My concern would be the current condition of the floor joists and cellar walls; potential problems with interstitial condensation and fungal attack of the timbers. To be on the safe side, seek some professional advice from an Architect or Building Surveyor – it could save you money and time in the long run.
Leigh Tugwood - Architect - www.ap-studio.co.uk
Which type of cavity insulation should I insulate my house with.... Mira fiba or Bead..?
The choice is up to you, as there are advantages and disadvantages to both. I would recommend that you check with the manufacturer but generally:-
Fibre is thought to be slightly less efficient and has been linked to damp problems,but it forms a mat once it has been installed and does not escape.
Beads are waterproof and have a marginally better U value. Nevertheless,they can escape via small voids such as airbricks and cavities in the loft space, leaving cold spots within the wall. It can also sometimes cause problems with the future maintenance of the wall.
Kind regards
Debbie Prince- TCC
I would like to use blown fibre insulation in an enclosed roof space myself.
I am a self employed joiner...there is no access to the space so I would need to cut holes in the skirting board...is this possible by hiring the tools needed and buying the material?
It does not seem easy to hire the necessary equipment in the UK at the moment and most sources still recommend that the installation of this type of material is carried out by a professional. Nevertheless, The Insta Group, featured above, produce InstaFibre roof insulation which is a blown loft wool recommended for use in park homes with enclosed roof spaces which may be worth investigating.
I hope that helps,
Kind regards
Debbie Prince - TCC