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Cavity Wall Insulation Removal – Everything you Need to Know

Published

2 years ago

September 14, 2021

OVER the years many people have been a victim of poorly installed cavity wall insulation. In contrast to what you were promised, the insulation is failing to keep your home warm.

When the correct material is installed to a home that is in good condition, cavity wall insulation is an energy efficient way to keep your home warm. However over recent years cavity wall insulation has been known to be installed incorrectly. This has caused problems such as penetrating damp, condensation, mould and deterioration of existing render/masonry.

If you’ve experienced any of the above lately, then it is time to consider extracting your cavity wall insulation.

Unsure whether you need cavity wall insulation removal? Speak to one of our friendly specialists for a free consultation.

Why has my cavity wall insulation failed?

Many homeowners can be completely unaware if their cavity walls have been installed correctly. It is impossible to know if it is under-filled, over-packed, where it has slumped, where areas have been missed, blockage to vents and other internal obstructions. From our experience the blame can normally be placed on one of the following pointers;

– The cavity has not been appropriately cleared prior to the install.

– How prone the property’s location is to wind and rain exposure.

– Damage to external walls such as cracks within render/ pointing of brickwork.

– The cavity width is too small.

– Property structure is not appropriate for cavity insulation.

– Insulation has not been installed properly.

– Debris in the cavity wall which causes a thermal bridge.

– Poor materials have been installed such as mineral wool, formaldehyde foam.

– No bonding agent installed with carbon carbon, diamond bead or expanded polystyrene beads.

– Leaking roof and damage to soffit.

– Insulation becoming wet through flooding or fire damage.

Are there grants available for cavity extraction?

At this moment in time, cavity extraction grants are not available. However, for those who still have access to their guarantees, there is a possibility that you could claim off the guarantee provider. This process can be tedious however our specialists are there to help you.

Is it possible to remove cavity wall insulation?

Failed cavity wall insulation will not get better over time, it will get worse. The good news is that it is possible to extract the current insulation and remove any debris.

Our team of technicians are able to remove insulation and rubble from within your cavity using an extraction machine. In addition to this, air bricks are installed to the external wall of the property to allow cross flow ventilation. This is crucial and will allow the cavity to breathe and the internal skin to dry out.

What is cavity wall extraction?

Cavity wall extraction is the process of removing defective wall insulation. As a result of poorly insulated cavities there is a growing demand for cavity extraction across the UK.

Particularly in areas of high wind and rain exposure. There are many cavity wall extraction companies offering their service. However, be sure to check that they hold an oscar onsite certification and trustmark approval. This will ensure a high standard of workmanship.

How long does it take to extract cavity wall insulation?

The average cavity wall extraction takes roughly 2 days, however this figure varies from property to property. Some insulative materials can become rigid or rubble can collect at the bottom of the cavity from previous work. Both of which can slow down the process drastically. Nevertheless, it’s crucially important to remember that the cavity space has been cleared and nothing can act as a thermal bridge.

Will cavity extraction cure my penetrating damp?

Essentially, when the defective cavity wall insulation has been successfully extracted moisture will be unable to pass from the external brick to the internal brick. With time and the correct ventilation the damp will dry out and there will no longer be a problem. However depending on the damage that has been done already for example, blown plaster or render this would have to be rectified by a specialist.

How do our technicians detect failed cavity wall insulation?

The survey process is straightforward and allows our technicians to gauge the severity of the problem and which method is best suited to extract the insulation.

– A general inspection can be carried out; cracks within brickwork, damp spots/patches on render and vents which aren’t sleeved.

– A borescope inspection allows our technician to look inside the cavity which is a quick and easy way to determine the state of the insulation.

– Thermal imaging is another way to diagnose areas of the property that may be acting as a thermal bridge.

Who are we?

At First Choice Energy, our mission is to create a more sustainable world to live in. To do this, we need to reduce our energy usage by creating energy-efficient homes. That’s why we work with homeowners across the UK, helping with increasing heating and insulation efficiency throughout their homes. Check our website to see how we can help you today.

Email:- firstchoiceenergylimited@gmail.com

Contact Number:- 07884 004516

Visit website for more information https://firstchoiceenergy.co.uk/

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Clare’s Craft Centre hosts seventh anniversary open day

Published

5 months ago

October 11, 2022

Cerys Lafferty

CLARE’S Craft Centre first opened in October 2015. To celebrate being open for business for seven years, Clare’s Craft Centre is hosting an open day on Saturday, October 22 from 10am until 3pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, from usual customers and students to new and curious visitors.

There will be a finger buffet and soft drinks available to those who attend this exciting event. A free gift will also be given to every customer.

The centre, located in Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, has a small haberdashery shop which sells a variety of products ready for any kind of craft. It also has a small and welcoming crafting studio which is available for everyone to visit and try new crafts.

The primary aim for the centre is to offer friendly encouragement for people as they learn new craft skills in a safe, warm and friendly environment.

Several tutors provide workshops at the centre for a range of different crafting subjects, such as glass painting, silk painting, organza rag ring making and weaving classes – to name but a few.

They also provide one-on-one sessions for most subjects.

During the open day two resident tutors will be available in the studio on the day to display and sell their own handmade crafts.

Lucy from Hooks & Dye and Dawn from Daisy Chain will also be demonstrating their classes and answering any questions people may have.

Owner, Clare Pugh, will also be available on the day to answer questions about the craft centre and any upcoming classes.

Talking about her business, Clare said: “I believe in the therapeutic benefits of crafting and the creation of art.

“Sewing and creating craft projects have helped me to cope with many challenges in life as well as commemorate and celebrate life’s milestones.

“I have produced gifts, keepsakes, heirlooms, competition entries and I’ve decorated my home with unique items which have provided a sense of achievement as well as instilling a sense of pride. Crafting has improved my confidence and self-esteem.

“I have been fortunate to have family and friends who have nurtured my craft abilities but I believe that many people are unaware of their untapped potential.”

The open day begins at 10am on October 22. Clare’s Craft Centre is excited to meet you and include you as a friend of the centre.

You can visit Clare’s Craft Centre online here or on their Facebook page.

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Veteran opens Slimming World in Milford Haven

Published

6 months ago

September 16, 2022

Cerys Lafferty

ARMY Veteran, Rachel, has launched her own Slimming World group in Milford Haven after her own positive experiences.

“I changed lives in the army and hope to continue changing lives for people in Milford Haven.”

Rachel was born and raised in Milford Haven. As a small child, she was “active and busy” and a real tomboy alongside her brothers.

In 1998, she joined the Army at 16-years-old as a Combat Medical Technician. Following training, Rachel served in Germany, all over the UK, overseas in Cyprus, and was deployed to Oman, Kosovo, Bosnia and Poland before retiring from service in May 2021.

Her role as a combat medical technician meant she often had to deal with soldiers who had been injured in war zones. Rachel described dealing with the range of injuries as “life-changing”.

Rachel’s job not only consisted of helping soldiers physically recover; she also helped them with their mental well-being.

She said she: “always pointed out the positives ahead of them for their lives and their families.

“The fulfilment I would get from seeing them recover and their family made whole again is so rewarding, I cannot put it into words.”

She has always been a strong, physically fit person. She enjoyed an active lifestyle and felt as though she “could always eat what she wanted.”

In 2017, she was posted to Harrogate. Rachel was 36 years old and had recently given birth to her third child, a daughter, after already having two sons aged 13 and 5.

She says she was almost two stone overweight even before her pregnancy.

Rachel said: “So here I was with four stone to lose. I had lost all confidence and was at a loss.

“I was at a GP surgery when I saw a poster for Slimming World. I was there for my daughter’s first vaccinations and that’s when I decided to join my local Harrogate Slimming World group.”

Rachel said she was welcomed to the group with open arms. She described the members as being lovely, offering to make her a hot drink after being weighed or hold her baby while she got settled into the group.

It was at this group that Rachel found her love for Food Optimising, which is Slimming World’s unique plan to lose weight and get healthy.

She swapped takeaway meals for ‘fakeaways’ using recipes she learned from her group.

After only a week, Rachel had lost 4 lbs and knew this new plan was one she could follow.

Over the next 10 months, she enjoyed curries, chillis, chips loaded with a variety of toppings and cheese within her daily allowance, and she could still enjoy treats every now and then.

By June 2018, she had hit her target and lost the whole four stone. She said she “felt amazing!”

Unfortunately, during lockdown, she became a single mum and was at an “all-time low”. She moved back to Pembrokeshire in December 2021 and quickly swapped healthy meals for quick and easy, high-fat processed meals.

Rachel said: “Being stuck in the house with three children during lockdown was hard.

“As I was working from home with nowhere to go, I found myself mindlessly eating as I was only eating out of boredom.

“I put almost two stone back on and I was devastated.”

In January 2022, she decided to get into shape again. She joined the local Slimming World group in Johnston.

Rachel said she had two stone to lose and was determined to return to her target weight.

She claims she was blown away by the consultant Kelly’s knowledge of the plan and her motivation.

“She guided me back through the new member talk, reintroduced me to my love of Slimming World and allowed me to fall in love with the plan all over again!” Rachel added.

“The warm atmosphere and the gentle reminder that the plan can be used for all the family reignited my passion.

“Since January 10, 2022, I have lost one stone and five pounds. I am only two-pounds away from my personal target.”

After talking about Slimming World and the freedom it allows Rachel to have, she joined Slimming World and trained to be a consultant.

Thanks to her time in the Army, helping those with their physical and mental health, Rachel feels that she would be well suited to helping those achieve their goals.

She commented: “The training is thorough and covers not only the plan but the psychology of wanting to lose weight.

“It has totally changed my views on how I shop, cook and eat food, and I hope my drive and motivation will help others to do the same.”

To join Rachel’s Slimming World group, call Rachel on 07391 634033 or visit Milford United Football Club, Marble Hall Road, every Thursday at 5.30pm.

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‘Top chefs and favourites’ lined up for family-friendly Narberth Food Festival

Published

7 months ago

August 29, 2022

Tom Sinclair

AN EXCITING line up of chefs and food writers are among the menu of delights to be found at Narberth Food Festival next month (September).

Among those signed on to participate in the two-day event are festival patron Angela Gray and former Great British Bake Off contestant Michelle Evans-Fecci.

They will be among a roster of top names sharing their knowledge and expertise and talking about their latest projects when the festival returns after a two year break on September 24 and 25.

Angela Gray’s ninth cookery book, Just Bread, is released on September 8.

Her Cookery School at Llanerch Vineyard is known as one of the top 10 Culinary Schools in the UK, welcoming guests from near and far to immerse themselves into a culinary adventure.

A chef, food writer and broadcaster, Angela has spent 40 plus years developing her recipes, based on her extensive travels and work experiences.

Her client list has included composer Lord Lloyd-Webber, Ex-First Minister Rhodri Morgan, The Welsh Assembly Government, Count and Countess Du Maigret, Count and Countess de Linburg Stirum to name a few.

Evans-Fecci, who now lives in Tenby, grew up on a farm where she learned the basics of cooking, baking and vegetable growing from her parents.

On the popular TV baking show Great British Bake Off she was known for her flavoursome, colourful bakes and for championing locally sourced seasonal produce.

She had a lifelong dream to write her own recipe book and The Seasonal Baker, her first cookbook, is full of tasty seasonal recipes for the whole family to enjoy.

She will be demonstrating two tasty dessert recipes at the festival.

Other local favourites sharing their passion for good food will be Matt Waldron, of the Stackpole Inn, who has an impressive track record having worked in top kitchens and Michelin starred restaurants, and Carmarthen based Carwyn Graves, author of Welsh Food Stories and the bestselling Apples of Wales, who was instrumental in establishing the national collection of Welsh varieties at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Carmarthen based Carwyn Graves, author of Welsh Food Stories and the bestselling Apples of Wales

More programme details and guest names will be released in the coming weeks.

Narberth Food Festival is organised by a team of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about celebrating the best of Welsh food and drink.

Colin Russell, chairman of Narberth Food Festival committee, said: “We are so pleased to see some familiar faces return to the festival and look forward to introducing some new names and ideas along the way too.

“We have a lot to celebrate with the return of the festival this year with a great mix of demonstrations, workshops and talks on top of everything else the festival has to offer.

“A lot of work goes into organising this event and we are grateful for everyone’s support. We look forward to seeing everyone for two days of food and festivities in September.”

Narberth Food Festival takes place over the weekend Saturday September 24th and Sunday September 25th, 2022.
To ensure easy access, the festival site on the Town Moor Car park will be served by shuttle buses running from two park and ride car parks on the day.
Entry is £5 adults, under 16s free, per day.

For more information see the festival website www.narberthfoodfestival.com