Insulation, Solar Panels, Heat Pumps and Wind Turbines From Mark Group

East Midlands Housing Association

March 2010

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The Customer

East Midlands Housing Association (EMHA) is a diverse independent not-for-proft organisation providing homes for people unable to compete on the open market.

EMHA works closely with Local Authorities and specialised agencies to provide homes to address a wide range of needs. They have over 6000 quality
affordable homes which include homes for families, single people, the elderly and other individuals requiring additional support.

The Challenge

The challenge was to fnd a cost effective solution for an EMHA home in Coalville with circa 1900s thermal insulation values, without the need for decamping or signifcant disruption to the tenant and their family.

The existing structure was a solid brickwork property with an existing sand and cement exterior fnish exhibiting poor thermal performance problems for the tenant.

External wall insulation was selected to improve its thermal performance and energy effciency.

The Process

Mark Group had already worked closely with EMHA to install over 100 measures of loft and cavity wall insulation in their housing stock EMHA were not aware of any alternative methods of insulation for their hard to treat homes so Mark Group offered them the chance to try an External Wall Insulation System (EWI).

A pilot project was launched on a 2 storey property in Oxford Street, Coalville, Leicestershire and in May 2009, the works commenced.

A fagship for the rest of their solid walls and ‘hard to treat’ housing stock this aimed to understand better the benefts of EWI systems in relation to themselves and their tenants.

The Mark Group checked for suitability, took full measurements of the property and also took thermal images of the property highlighting the areas of heat loss.

In addition, as part of the assessment, thermal and condensation risk calculations were done to ensure damp and condensation were eliminated and to ensure the system proposed brought the property up to modern day standards.

The Solution

After surveying the 2 storey property in Coalville, Leicestershire, Mark Group advised that the current solid property with sand and cement render would beneft from an external wall insulation system.

The Mark Group technical team proposed that an Alumasc Swisslab External Wall Insulation system would be the best solution.

The work took place in 6 stages and took approximately 12 working days to complete with specifc attention paid to keep some of the original features of the building.

Key installation stages

Preparation

• Removal of any building furniture such as rain water goods, aerials, vents, satellite dish and also included renewal of fascias and soffts and roof line extension.
• Removal of any loose, damp or damaged existing render.

System Application

• Setting out beads and base insulation rails.
• Boarding out – Fixing insulation slabs to the building.
• Apply base coat and adhesive coats including strengthening scrim.

Finishing

• Silicone to top half.
• Render dash to bottom half.
• Reinstate building furniture and fit door canopy.

During this time, the tenant continued to live in the property with
minimum disruption by the installation team and was involved in
regular project updates by our project manager.

The Result

Prior to the work commencing, the thermal performance of the property was 2.14W/m2k; post installation the thermal performance of the property was up to current building regulations, 0.35w/m2k.

• Eliminated existing damp, condensation and maintenance issues.
• Savings on energy bills will be realised – expected to be up to £400 per year.
• Will reduce CO2 emissions by around 2.1 tonnes per year.
• Created a better environment for the tenant.

The Tenant’s View

“I am very pleased with the fnish and look of the property… It’s a vast improvement. I have noticed that the property stays warmer longer after the heating goes off, it’s a much better environment to live in and the workmen did a good job of cleaning up after the works were completed.”
Ms Vesey, Tenant

The Customer’s Comment

“We have been very satisfed with the work carried out by Mark Group.The end result exceeded our expectations and not only improved the buildings thermal performance but gave it a much needed facelift. Now that we understand better the benefts of External Wall Insulation Systems (EWI), we are hoping to roll out further projects within our housing stock over the next year with the help of the Mark Group Ltd.”
David Shaw, East Midlands Housing Association.

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