Client
Location
Services
SmartStone Energy Solutions was appointed to upgrade the insulation of 60 homes in Crosby, Liverpool, for Crosby Housing Association, under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme (SHDF).
Existing wool cavity wall insulation had failed, leaving cavities filled with debris and compromised wall ties, which created cold bridging, higher energy bills, and an increased risk of damp. Complicating the project, several properties had structural issues, including poor pointing, spalled bricks, and extra holes in the walls, all of which required remediation before any new insulation could be installed.
To prepare the cavities, repair any damage, send technical inspection reports to the coordinator and the Insulation Assurance Authority for sign-off and approval of the installation, followed by the installation of modern, high-performance insulation.
The expert team at SmartStone Energy Solutions addressed the failing insulation and further property issues in the 60 Crosby homes by implementing a full retrofit under the SHDF LA-funded decarbonisation scheme, in conjunction with project partners Rokzen Ltd.
Removed failed insulation, debris, and addressed structural issues and wall ties.
Repaired brickwork and any areas affected by damp, ensuring all homes were watertight before the insulation installation stage.
Improved airflow in each property by updating extractors in all kitchens and wet rooms, and adding door undercuts and trickle vents to the existing windows.
Installed Instabead carbon saver bonded bead insulation through SmartStone’s suppliers, InstaGroup, which provides a superior U-Value compared to traditional wool, is ideal for high-weather areas, and meets PAS2035 energy efficiency and retrofit compliance standards.
All the new insulation was installed under the latest PAS 2035 framework, in compliance with, and approved by, technical monitoring, and submitted to TrustMark.
The entire project, from cavity preparation and remedial works through to insulation installation, was completed in three months with minimal disruption to tenants.
Improved home comfort – warmer, healthier, insulated homes free from cold bridging
Higher EPC ratings – enhanced sustainability credentials with C-rated properties
More energy efficient – resulting in reduced energy usage, decreased energy bills, and a lower carbon footprint
Increased housing stock value – high-performance insulation improves the home’s desirability to future tenants
Are you in the public sector, or looking to upgrade your housing stock? Partner with SmartStone to deliver compliant, energy-efficient retrofits to improve the comfort and sustainability of your properties. Contact SmartStone for a quote today.
The new insulation couldn’t be installed without removing the existing wool insulation that had degraded over time. Cavity wall insulation extraction ensures a clean, dry cavity prepared for the new, more modern insulation.
Instabead is an expanded polystyrene bead that is coated with an approved adhesive. They can be injected into a property’s cavity walls to reduce heat loss and are a durable material.
Instabead offers superior thermal performance compared to traditional blown mineral wool, with a better U-value, and is particularly effective in high-weather zones, as the beads are water-resistant and prevent moisture absorption, thereby reducing the risk of damp and mould.
