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Cavity Wall Insulation Removal – Everything you Need to Know

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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:- [email protected]

Contact Number:- 07884 004516

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

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Bank Holiday bargains on offer at The Bay Furniture Company

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Haverfordwest and Newcastle Emlyn stores open all weekend

WEST WALES residents looking to refresh their home interiors are in for a treat this Bank Holiday weekend as The Bay Furniture Company launches a major sale event across both of its showrooms.

The locally run furniture business, which has branches in Haverfordwest and Newcastle Emlyn, is promising “massive savings” on a wide selection of household furniture, from stylish sofas and elegant dining sets to beds, mirrors, chairs, and home accessories.

With the slogan “Where Style Meets Savings”, the company is inviting shoppers to browse their extensive collection — including both brand-new items and discounted ex-display pieces — all available for immediate delivery. Customers can also take advantage of an old suite removal service for added convenience.

The stores are open from 10:00am each day, closing at 4:00pm, and until 3:00pm on Sunday. The company is encouraging residents to visit early to secure the best deals, with stock expected to move quickly over the long weekend.

A spokesperson for the business said: “We want to help people create a home they love. Whether you’re furnishing a new space or updating a tired room, our team is here to help you find beautiful furniture at great prices — with friendly service and fast turnaround.”

Bonus for Herald readers: Anyone who mentions The Herald in-store will receive a special thank-you gift with their purchase.

Store locations:
📍 Bridge Meadow Lane, Haverfordwest, SA61 2EX
📍 Beulah Road, Bryngwyn, Newcastle Emlyn, SA38 9QA

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How to limit distractors in the office

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Employees are unable to maintain a high level of focus throughout the day. Each person has a different working rhythm, with periods of above-average performance interspersed with moments of decline. External factors can affect employees differently, as some can work effectively in any environment, while others are more susceptible to varied distractions. In this article, we will discuss how to identify and minimise the impact of distractions in the office. We will also provide practical advice to help both employers and employees create spaces that promote efficiency, creativity and well-being.

Identification of distractors in the office

Distractors are a variety of factors that affect concentration levels in the workplace. Some of these are caused by employees themselves constantly browsing social media. Distractors can also include external factors such as loud discussions from colleagues. Physical conditions and unsuitable office arrangements cannot be ignored either. These include uncomfortable furniture, noise as a result of not having the right space division or zoning in place, too noisy adjacent zones, and too low or too high temperatures. These are major challenges in the workplace that make maintaining optimal engagement difficult, thus resulting in lower quality work.

Studies have shown that mobile phone use and messaging (52%), surfing the internet (44%) and chatting and gossiping with colleagues (37%)[1] are the most common distractions in the office environment. It is also worth noting that while informal meetings and snack breaks can serve as a short-term respite, they contribute to a decline in concentration in the long-term.

Distractors in the office – how do they affect productivity?

Distractors in the workplace are often underestimated, as their impact tends to take a toll on the effectiveness of employees and the organisation as a whole. Distractors interrupt the natural flow of work, make it difficult to concentrate on current tasks, thus leading to more errors and a reduction in the quality of work. The constant switching of attention between different stimuli causes mental fatigue, decreased motivation and increased stress levels. 

Exposure to distractions on a daily basis can even result in burnout and reduced overall job satisfaction. For companies, this means a decrease in the efficiency of teams, increased costs related to sick leave and difficulties in retaining talent.

How to remove distractions by optimising office design

Maintaining a highly efficient and focused workforce is possible by minimising the main sources of disruption in the working environment. To this end, employers must ensure that the physical conditions in the office are up to standard. It is worth investing in high-quality furniture and solutions that support employee health and work comfort.

Noise – the greatest enemy of work efficiency

Noise in the office is one of the main distractions for employees. Frequently ringing  phones, loud conversations or curious glances from neighbouring workstations can significantly reduce productivity and increase frustration levels. It is worth investing in sound-absorbing materials such as carpets, curtains or acoustic panels to help reduce sound levels. One of the most effective solutions for creating optimum conditions for conceptual work is the installation of Hushoffice acoustic pods. These mini-rooms are ideal for those who need peace and quiet to focus on tasks that require a great deal of concentration, such as working on projects or participating in teleconferences. 

The advanced sound insulation (rated class A for acoustic according to ISO 23351-1:2020) in hushFree.S one-person booths dampen background noise and reduce stimuli that would otherwise impair effective focus on your work, telephone calls and video calls. The adjustable ventilation and the 500 lux lighting system help users adapt the working environment inside to their individual preferences. Temperature and lights are no longer an issue when working on an important project. 

Space division into quiet, collaborative and chillout office zones

Optimising office arrangements calls for more measures than just reducing noise. Proper space management is also important. While there are claims that a degree of disorder can stimulate creativity, in fact this mostly leads to higher losses than gains in the context of office design. Clutter and poorly arranged space can cause distraction, reduced efficiency and employee dissatisfaction. Distributing desks, hushSpot coworking tables and chillout zones around the floor can reduce the number of distractors.

You should supply employees who need to focus with quiet areas, while active zones can be used for meetings, conversations and informal discussions. Ideal for teamwork are the larger hushFree.L meeting pods where employees can exchange ideas and collaborate freely without disturbing others in the office. These enclosed spaces not only effectively dampen sound, but also provide privacy. Inside, you can mount a TV and fit any ergonomic furniture if you wish to create a room for relaxation or training sessions.

Reduction of visual interference

Open-plan office spaces should be designed in an orderly manner to prevent from overwhelming employees with an excess of stimuli. Avoiding excessive decoration, keeping desks tidy and using neutral wall colours enhance staff focus. 

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André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert

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CELEBRATE the holiday season with André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert, “Gold
and Silver,” exclusively in cinemas and on the Torch Theatre screen on Saturday 7
and Sunday 8 of December! This magical event embodies the festive spirit of
Christmas, bringing joy, warmth, and sparkle to the big screen.

Get ready to be transported to the wondrous world of enchanting glamour that is
André’s winter wonderland! Under the sparkle of 150 chandeliers and 50 Venetian
candelabras, feel your heart warm with the magical melody of all your favourite
Christmas classics.

André Rieu will be joined on stage by his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra, along
with special guest artists and the young and talented Emma Kok.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate music, love, and Christmas sparkle, with André
Rieu’s new Christmas Concert “Gold and Silver” at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
on Saturday 7 December at 7pm and Sunday 8 December at 2pm.

André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver ticket prices: £20 / £19
concessions. To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office
on 01646 695267 or visit the Torch Theatre website.

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