Mark Group

East Midlands Housing Association

March 2010

The Customer

East Midlands Housing Association (EMHA) is a diverse, independent not-for-profit organisation, providing homes for people who are unable to buy a property on the open market.

Working closely with Local Authorities and specialist agencies, EMHA has over 6,000 quality affordable homes which include properties for families, single adults, the elderly and other individuals who may require additional support.

The Challenge

EMHA wanted to a find a cost-effective energy saving solution for its solid wall properties, but needed any work to be delivered with minimal disruption to tenants and their families.

The Solution

Mark Group had already worked closely with EMHA installing over 100 measures of loft and cavity wall insulation in their housing stock. EMHA were not aware of alternative methods of insulation for hard to treat (or solid wall) homes, but Mark Group recommended External Wall Insulation (EWI).

EMHA agreed to a pilot project for a property in Oxford Street, Coalville. The two storey house had a solid brickwork construction, with a sand and cement exterior finish and thermal insulation values typical of the 1900s. This project would become a flagship for the rest of the Association’s solid wall housing stock, helping them to realise the benefits of EWI, for both themselves and their tenants.

In May 2009, work began. Mark Group carried out a full site assessment survey, including thermal images of the property, to highlight where heat was currently escaping. Mark Group also took thermal and moisture risk calculations to ensure damp and condensation would be eliminated. Mark Group then recommended Alumasc’s Swisslab External Wall Insulation system and installation was carried out over a two week period.

The key installation stages are outlined below:

1. Preparation

• Removal of any building furniture such as rain water goods, aerials, vents, satellite dish
• Renewal of fascias, soffits and roof line extension
• Removal of any loose, damp or damaged existing render

2. System Application

• et out beads and base insulation rails
• ‘Boarding out’ (Fixing insulation slabs to the building)
• Apply base coat and adhesive coats including strengthening scrim

3. Finishing

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

The tenant stayed in the property throughout the installation process, experiencing minimal disruption and received regular updates from Mark Group’s project manager.

The Benefits

Before EWI was installed, the thermal performance of the property was 2.14w/m2k; post insulation works, this had improved to current building regulations, 0.35w/m2k.

• The work carried out by Mark Group also succeeded in eliminating existing damp and condensation in the property
• Up to £375* should be saved on annual energy bills
• CO2 emissions will be reduced by 1.9 tonnes per year*
• The tenant will enjoy a more comfortable living environment

The Tenant’s View

“I am very pleased with the finish 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 satisfied 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 better understand the benefits of External Wall Insulation Systems, we are hoping to roll out further projects within our housing stock over the next year, with the help of Mark Group.”

David Shaw, East Midlands Housing Association

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