External insulation for EPC rating?

External insulation for EPC rating?

0:03 AM, 13th July 2023, About A year ago 16

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Hello, to help raise my BTL EPC rating I had external insulation put on my 2-bed Victorian terrace house. The system consisted of pipework alterations followed by expanded polystyrene sheets (EPS) mechanically fixed to the walls. This was then encased in a cement-based render with a top coat of self-coloured render.

I duly informed my insurance broker of this change and was sent a form to fill in with details of the system. This included a question on EU fire reaction class. Having noted details of the EPS I, perhaps foolishly, noted their class as E. The broker came back to tell me my insurance would no longer cover me and that specialist insurance would be £1500 p.a.

The installer was as gobsmacked as I was and sent me the BBA sheet for the system which shows the system is class B. This was passed to my broker who advised that this made no difference as the system contains EPS.

Has anyone else had any experience of this? Or any suggestions as to what I can do now (other than having the whole thing removed)

Thanks,

Sam


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PH

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20:08 PM, 13th July 2023, About A year ago

We have a house abroad built using regular male & female blocks with very little mortar , plastered on the inside and 50 MM EPS on the outside finished with a coloured silicone plaster.It totally encloses the block work, no air bricks. EPS is mainly air with just a fraction of polystyrene making it a great form of insulation. It could be 35 degrees outside but it's 20 - 25 inside. No need for heating until November when temperatures drop to under 10 degrees outside. There has never been a damp issue and my only regret is not having 100mm EPS. There's no issues with insurance companies either by the way. Anyone who has cellars or basements etc XPS is the way to go down there.

Christopher Lee

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4:39 AM, 14th July 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by David Smith at 13/07/2023 - 12:39
Not exactly the most helpful comment.
I'm starting to do certain bits because I've got 10 to look after and if I leave it until we have certainty I'll have no time to get them all sorted.
What about if a long-term tenant leaves and the property becomes empty and you have a window to get work done?
There could be various other reasons that it suits the OP to just get on with it even though its not ideal.
Maybe just answer their question or keep quiet?

David Smith

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9:02 AM, 14th July 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Christopher Lee at 14/07/2023 - 04:39Certainly my answer isn’t helpful to you personally.
If you think thank the 2025 deadline will not be pushed back then you are mistaken.
Some of the works been done before any announcement maybe unnecessary.
If you get yourself organised once if any announcement is made you will be fine.

Reluctant Landlord

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10:27 AM, 14th July 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by David Smith at 13/07/2023 - 12:39
ditto I am not doing anything yet. Awaiting clarity before any £ leaves my pocket!

Christopher Lee

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13:32 PM, 14th July 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by David Smith at 14/07/2023 - 09:02
I agree it'll be put back and I agree doing work now is potentially wasteful.
However:
-Some of these measures are useful in their own right.
-People have to schedule work in around tenants.
-Once the timetable is clear there will likely be difficulties getting the labour.
-People with portfolios will definitely need to plan way way ahead.

For me, waiting until 2025 (potentially) for a 2028 deadline just isn't good enough. The majority of mine are student lets and I have a very tight window over the summer void, hence starting to do some things now. I'm actually doing a re-roof and insulation on one in a few weeks, but it'll need doing anyway. I'm just bringing it fwd else I won't have time in the next couple of years.

Re the actual post...I personally would have avoided exterior insulation. I just think it's asking for trouble.

Judith Wordsworth

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10:52 AM, 15th July 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by David Smith at 14/07/2023 - 09:02
It’s 2028 for rentals.

Still 2030/35 for owner occupied

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