Dyson Insulations Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Dyson Insulations?
Dyson Insulations are a leading national installer of insulation, heating solutions and renewable technologies. With depots around the country, we provide national coverage for our services.
Why choose Dyson Insulations?
Here at Dyson Insulations, we set the standards.
We are dedicated to providing an excellent service to our customers.
We guarantee our customers an impeccable service from start to finish. From the moment we take your enquiry to the completion of your installation and beyond.
What is a Cavity Wall?
The external wall of a house is constructed of two masonry (brick or block) walls, with a cavity (gap) of at least 50mm between. Metal ties join the two walls together.
How is Cavity Wall Insulation installed?
The cavity wall is injected with insulating material by drilling holes in the external wall, through the mortar joint. Holes are generally of 22-25mm diameter and are ‘made good’ after injection. Each hole is injected in turn, starting at the bottom.
How long does it take?
Cavity Wall Insulation normally takes around two hours to install, but the time does depend on the size of the house and other factors, such as access.
Is my house suitable?
Before the installation, Dyson Insulations will undertake an assessment of your property to confirm that it is suitable for insulation. This assessment may be undertaken by one of our qualified surveyors before installation.
Do I have to do anything before the installation?
The drilling process does create some vibration – so it would be wise to remove ornaments, particularly on external walls, for their safety and your peace of mind.
The Technician will need access to all walls, so he will need to get inside attached garages, lean-to sheds, conservatories etc. The insulation can only be really effective if all walls are done. If you have a wall right on the boundary, you may like to mention to your neighbour, that the Technician will need to go onto their property.
Is there much mess?
The drilling process inevitably creates a little dust, which will be cleared at the completion of the job. It may be wise to remove vehicles from the drive and things close to the walls. This will also give the Technician better access for equipment and tools.
Does the Technician have to come into the house?
The Technician must undertake checks before and after installation, including any heating appliances, so it is essential that they have access inside the property.
My house is semi-detached, how do they stop insulation going into my neighbour’s cavity?
Assuming your neighbour’s house is not already insulated, the Technician will insert a cavity barrier at the party wall line. This is usually a length of bristle brush. Of course, if the neighbour’s house were to be insulated at the same time, the cavity barrier would not be needed.
Are all the systems of insulation the same?
There are several different types of insulation:
- Bonded bead (white polystyrene beads)
- Glass wool (yellow or white in colour)
- Rock wool (grey/brown in colour)
- Urea formaldehyde foam (white foam)
Note: both glass wool and rock wool are known as ‘mineral wool’.
All systems of Cavity Wall Insulation have been tested, assessed and approved by the British Board of Agrément or the British Standards Institution. All are suitable for their purpose.
Except for Urea Formaldehyde foam, the systems can be used in all parts of the UK.
All systems have a similar insulation value.
Are the Technicians trained?
All Technicians (team leaders) undergo training by the system supplier and Dyson Insulations to ensure they are competent in Cavity Wall Insulation and carry a system designer card in order to carry out the work. Please feel free to ask to see the system designer card.
How do I know the walls are full?
Each system has a defined pattern of holes, which has been tested to verify that it results in a complete fill. Most systems have an automatic cut out, which actuates when the adjacent wall area is full. There is tolerance in the injection pattern so that the material will flow past the next injection hole.
Is the insulation ‘dense’?
No, as the insulation is contained within a masonry wall, it does not need to be ‘dense’. For insulation and other purposes, a light density is better. Before installation, the Technician will undertake a quality test to ensure the insulation will go into the wall at the right density. He will also note the amount of material used, to know that sufficient insulation has been installed.
Note: Drilling a hole in the outer wall and testing the cavity fill with a rod or pencil will not provide any meaningful information.
What about the ventilators that are in the external wall?
Ventilators supplying combustion air to fuel burning appliances must be safeguarded. Similarly, ventilators at ground level that ventilate below timber floors must be safeguarded. The Technician will investigate them to check they are already sleeved. If they are not, the Technician will remove them and seal around them to stop them being blocked by the insulation. Other vents, which may be redundant, such as cavity vents or vents that are used to supply air to open fires in bedrooms may be closed off. The Technician should discuss these with you. Redundant airbricks may be filled.
What about filling the holes?
The Technician will fill all the injection holes with mortar to match the existing as closely as possible. He will use a mix that closely matches the existing colour and texture. On pebbledash finishes, he will apply pebbles to the surface to match the existing finish. After weathering, the holes are difficult to see.
But my house has painted areas?
Dyson Insulations will paint the injection holes with as close as match as possible. Unfortunately, even if the original paint is used, it may not match due to weathering. So it may be necessary for you to consider painting the area, after the mortar has dried.
You should discuss and agree what will be done with your surveyor.
Do I apply for the CIGA 25 Year Guarantee?
No, Dyson Insulations will submit the Guarantee application on your behalf. The Guarantee is posted to you within days of the application being received at CIGA - keep it safe.
CIGA is non-profit distributing; its only function is to stand as guarantor for the promises set out in the Guarantee. It has the resources to meet the promises made in the Guarantee.
Dyson Insulations Ltd are members of CIGA and can apply for a CIGA Guarantee, for properties built with traditional cavity walls. You should insist on a CIGA Guarantee, since nothing else can give you the level of assurance to which you are entitled.
Will my house be warmer?
Yes – if your heating is not controlled by a thermostat. However, if you have a thermostat, it will cut out the heating at the same temperature, so you may not notice the difference in the room with the thermostat. However, you should find that the temperature in other parts of your house improves, for example, the small bedroom on the corner.
With Cavity Wall Insulation, you should find that the house holds its temperature for longer, therefore the time between heating cycles may be longer. The result should be a more even temperature throughout the house and / or a reduced fuel bill.
Are there any maintenance or servicing requirements?
No, not to the Cavity Wall Insulation, but normal building maintenance is needed.
How long will the insulation last?
For the life of the building - the British Board of Agrément say so.
If I am concerned after the installation – what should I do?
If you are concerned after the installation please call us straight away, we will then make arrangements for a supervisor to visit your property to investigate your worries.
If I have thermal breeze block on the inner leaf does this mean I do not need Cavity Wall Insulation?
If you have the recommended 50mm cavity width then your cavity is suitable for insulation and the insulation will improve the thermal performance of the external walls of the property.
When it rains or if water gets into the cavity will the insulation allow water through and cause damp?
All systems on the market that our registered installers use are tested and assessed and will not allow water to cross the wall construction via the insulation. Water which penetrates the outer leaf of the wall will drain down the cavity face of the outer leaf.
If I have a random stone construction can I have Cavity Wall Insulation?
Due to stone properties not having a regular cavity, it will require an installer to assess the individual property.
Who are Dyson?
Dyson Insulations are a leading national installer of insulation, heating solutions and renewable technologies. With depots around the country, we provide national coverage for our services.
Why choose Dyson Insulations?
Here at Dyson Insulations, we set the standards.
We are dedicated to providing an excellent service to our customers.
We guarantee our customers an impeccable service from start to finish. From the moment we take your enquiry to the completion of your installation and beyond.
What is the recommended thickness for loft insulation?
The current regulations under the Government’s CERT (Carbon Emissions reduction target) programme states that a minimum 270mm of Loft Insulation is required.
How much heat is lost through the roof?
As much as 25% of heat is lost through a roof which is not adequately insulated.
I already have some insulation in the loft but it is not very thick, will this have to be removed or can it be topped up?
Any existing insulation can be left in the loft and an additional layer added to it to bring it up to the required minimum thickness. It does not matter how long the existing insulation has been in the loft, it still retains its insulant value.
I use my loft for storage but need to get it insulated, can I do this?
Once the loft has been insulated to a minimum 270mm thickness the ceiling joists will no longer be visible making the roof space hazardous to anyone attempting to enter. However it is possible to arrange for additional joists and floor boarding to be fixed via a local joiner to help maintain your storage area. If you already have a boarded area of no more than a third of the loft area the installers will work around it and leave it uncovered.
I have a cold water tank and pipework in my loft. Will these need to be insulated as well?
Yes they will. Any company who carries out loft insulation is responsible for insulating any tanks and pipework that are in the roof space to ensure they do not freeze come the winter period.
I have electrical cables in the loft. Will these be a hazard in any way?
Apart from any cables feeding a shower unit they will not. A cable that feeds a shower unit is usually a 30amp. The installers will identify this and make sure this cable is not covered by the insulation by either laying the cable on top if there is enough flex or leaving a gap in the insulation around the cable to ensure it does not overheat.
I have some lights within the ceiling (downlights) that protrude into the roof space. Will these cause any problems?
No. The installers will cut the insulation away from these leaving a gap of approximately 2” around the lights to prevent overheating.
I have sloping areas and flat roof areas within my property. Can these be insulated?
It is not always possible to do these areas. The reason being is that the timbers within these areas need to breathe and if loft insulation is fitted in these areas it can block the airflow off altogether. Access to these areas is usually minimal if at all existent. However every property has to be treated on an individual basis and the surveyor will make an assessment when visiting the property and advise accordingly.
My roof space is not big enough for an installer to stand up in. Will this be a problem?
It is very common that roof spaces are not big enough for anyone to stand up in. This is not usually a problem as the installers are usually working in a kneeling position on walkboards. Dyson Insulations work to a 1.4m height minimum for installers to gain access. It is very rare that a roof space is less than this. If it is less than this, our surveyor will advise you if we can insulate.
Will I have any problems with condensation in my loft if I have it insulated?
Providing there is sufficient ventilation existing within the roof space, condensation will not occur.
The installers are responsible for leaving all areas of ventilation clear of insulation to maintain the current airflow. However if at the time of survey it is noticed there are already signs of condensation then the surveyor will advise of appropriate measures that are available to help cure this.
My hatch is very small. Will the installers be able to get the insulation into my loft?
On rare occasions where the loft hatch is not big enough to get the insulation into the loft a new loft hatch can be created by Dyson Insulations at an additional cost. Our surveyor will advise you as appropriate.
I have quite a draught coming from my loft hatch. Can anything be done about this?
Yes. Upon completion of the work the installers will fit a draught excluder strip around the loft hatch, providing it is made of timber.
Will there be much mess whilst the work is carried out?
Any mess created should be very minimal, as the installers will provide dustsheets to cover the areas of carpeting/flooring around the loft access areas to the door of entry to the property.
How long will the work take?
Anything between 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the size of the property and the amount of insulation being installed.
Is there any funding available to help assist with the payment of loft insulation?
There are various grants available at the moment but they all have individual criteria. Our surveyor will advise accordingly if you are able to access any of these.
Who are Dyson?
Dyson Insulations are a leading national installer of insulation, heating solutions and renewable technologies. With depots around the country, we provide national coverage for our services.
Why choose Dyson Insulations?
Here at Dyson Insulations, we set the standards.
We are dedicated to providing an excellent service to our customers.
We guarantee our customers an impeccable service from start to finish. From the moment we take your enquiry to the completion of your installation and beyond.
What is a condensing boiler?
The term condensing or high efficiency means the boiler recovers more heat from the amount of gas that is burnt thereby making it more efficient than conventional boilers. A high-efficiency condensing boiler is by far the most efficient and economical boiler money can buy. Choose wisely and it will prove to be an investment NOT an expense.
How soon will my boiler be installed?
Your surveyor will book an installation date with you at the point of survey. We know how difficult it may be to fit this around your commitments. That is why we will book a convenient time and date to suit you.
How long will the install take?
At survey point, the surveyor will make a detailed assessment of all the Heating work to be undertaken by our very own Gas Safe registered engineers. It is at this stage that the surveyor will specify how many days the installation will take.
Will you take away my old boiler and other materials?
Here at Dyson Insulations, we will dispose of all your unwanted pipework, rubbish and old boiler.
Will the engineers leave my property clean and tidy?
All of our engineers have respect for other people’s homes. During the install, the engineers will use dustsheets and when leaving your property will always hoover and clean up after them. We assure you, there will be minimum disruption.
Do you use your own engineers?
Yes – Dyson Insulations employ all central heating engineers and electricians to install your new boiler.
We don’t sub contract anything. All our engineers are fully qualified and Gas Safe registered.
When will I have to make payment?
We will ask you to make the full balance payment when our supervisor comes to your property to carry out an inspection.
All of our jobs are inspected by one of our experienced Supervisors.
How much will I have to put down as a deposit?
We ask for a 20% deposit. However, if you want to go ahead with our finance option, 0% finance over 12 months – there is NO deposit needed!
Do I have to pay a deposit if I am paying for my boiler on credit?
No you don’t have to pay a deposit! If you prefer to, you can pay a deposit.
Who are Dyson?
Dyson Insulations are a leading national installer of insulation, heating solutions and renewable technologies. With depots around the country, we provide national coverage for our services.
Why choose Dyson Insulations?
Here at Dyson Insulations, we set the standards.
We are dedicated to providing an excellent service to our customers.
We guarantee our customers an impeccable service from start to finish. From the moment we take your enquiry to the completion of your installation and beyond.
External Solid Wall
Will the work be disruptive?
There will be minimal disruption as the work is carried out from outside. Scaffolding will be required for properties with wall areas higher than one storey, and drilling and mixing machines will create noise during those processes. Protective film is applied to the outside of the windows during the day, this will restrict visibility from the window. The applicators will ensure that the area around the home is left clean and tidy on completion of works each day.
How long will it take to install?
An average installation will take up to 2 weeks including erection and dismantling of scaffolding. The render and finishing processes are weather dependent, and may be delayed in very cold weather, rain or excessively hot weather.
Will you need to use my electricity or water?
We do not normally require use of your electricity as we have our own generator on the van. We do, however, require a water supply for mixing and washing down.
Will I have to maintain and clean the system myself?
The insulation systems are generally maintenance free, although you may choose to wash down with soapy water as you would with any rendered wall. If you have chosen a brick finish, this would be treated as a normal brick wall with regards to cleaning requirements. The insulated walls should not be jet-washed or power-washed at any time.
Can I fix items to my walls after they are insulated?
Any satellite dishes, hanging baskets, gate posts etc which are identified at survey stage, will have timber pattresses fitted to support the fixings after the insulation is complete. Should you decide to fix other items at a later stage, where no timber pattress has been fixed, you should ensure that an appropriate fixing, long enough to pass through the insulation into the original wall, is used to avoid damaging the system.
How long will the external wall insulation last?
The systems are BBA tested for life-expectancy and achieve a rating in excess of 30 years.
Is the system guaranteed?
Yes, both labour and materials are covered by a manufacturer’s 10 year Guarantee. This can be extended for a longer period but is subject to an additional cost.
Internal Solid Wall
Will the work be disruptive?
The work can be disruptive but is restricted to the room in which the insulation is being fitted. Since works include moving of electrical sockets, radiators etc and may also include fixing timber battens to the wall, there will be some noise and dust during the process. If radiators need to be moved, we may need to drain down the heating system to allow adjustment to pipework.
Will you make a mess in my house?
Dustsheets will be laid across the working area and access areas, including stairwells when working upstairs. Cutting of insulation will be carried out outside where possible. Installers will tidy up tools and materials at the end of each working day.
Will I need to empty the room before installation?
We will require good access to the working area, depending on the size of the room and areas to be installed, this may involve either moving items across the room or removing entirely. For example, carpets to be pulled out of the way, furniture to be moved/removed, items removed from windowsills and walls, and curtains to be taken down etc.
How long will it take to install?
An average installation will take up to 3 days per room, depending on the size and level of items affected (radiators, electricals etc).
Will you need to use my electricity or water?
Yes, we will require electricity for small hand tools and battery charging. We will require a water supply for mixing plaster.
Can the room be decorated and maintained as normal?
Yes, on completion of the works, you can either paint or decorate onto the plasterboard or skimmed wall. You would need to allow skimmed walls to dry out, prior to decoration.
Can I fix items to my walls after they are insulated?
We will advise on the type of fixings required depending on the insulation system being installed, and depending on the items to be fixed to the walls.
Who are Dyson?
Dyson Insulations are a leading national installer of insulation, heating solutions and renewable technologies. With depots around the country, we provide national coverage for our services.
Why choose Dyson Insulations?
Here at Dyson Insulations, we set the standards.
We are dedicated to providing an excellent service to our customers.
We guarantee our customers an impeccable service from start to finish. From the moment we take your enquiry to the completion of your installation and beyond.
Solar PV
What are the lifetimes of PV products?
Solar modules have a manufacturer’s performance warranty of 25 years, and a working lifetime of 40 years and beyond. Modules of all types usually have a 25 years warranty, as do most thin-film integrated products.
Does the glazed front reflect light away from solar photovoltaic (PV) modules?
Not really, no. Solar PV modules constructed with a glass front have two characteristics that reduce light reflection. In order to optimise electrical yield the glass is treated with an anti-reflective coating which greatly increases the transmittance through the glass to maximise the amount of light reaching the solar cells.
Secondly, the outer face of the glass has a slight granular texture. The result is a matt like finish rather than mirrored surface which again maximises yield. These two characteristics greatly reduce reflection from the glazed front face of solar PV modules when compared with conventional glazing.
What are the effects of shade?
Shading is critical. Minor shading can result in significant loss of energy. This is because the cell with the lowest illumination determines the operating current of the series string in which it is connected. Many modern modules use bypass diodes to minimise shade effects, but these effects must still be considered, preferably in the first stages of building design.
How is the angle of optimum panel inclination found for different latitudes within the U.K?
The maximum total annual solar radiation is usually at an orientation due south, and at a tilt from the horizontal equal to the latitude of the site minus approximately 20 degrees. For example, 30 degrees is an optimal tilt in Southern England, increasing to almost 40 degrees in Northern Scotland. Our site survey will determine what your angle is.
How do the panels perform at different angles and orientation?
If the optimum angle is not achievable, over 90% of the maximum annual energy can still be achieved at 10 degrees and 50 degree tilts. South-facing vertical facades generate around 70% of the maximum.
What sort of projects are suitable for solar installations?
A project with a brief incorporating social and technical innovation is an ideal candidate for building-integrated PV (BIPV). The most important aspect to consider is the location of the site. The solar installation must receive as much light as possible. Shadows cast by tall trees and neighbouring buildings must be kept in mind during the design process. The best location for solar PV is obviously on the south-facing roof or side of a building.
Planning Consent
It is a requirement to contact your local planning authority and advise them of your intention to install a solar electric system. In many cases the installation will be considered a Permitted Development, however planning permission may be required.
Insurance
Our advice with reference to your building insurance is that you do need to inform your insurers. The addition of a solar PV system should be viewed as a “material fact”, and policyholders have a duty to inform insurance companies about “material facts”.
Warranties
Your solar PV system will have the following manufacturers performance warranties:
- 25 years solar PV performance warranty.
- 5 years inverter warranty.
- Installation warranty.
The Moral Issue
As global warming increases we all have a moral duty to help the environment.
Who are Dyson?
Dyson Insulations are a leading national installer of insulation, heating solutions
and renewable technologies. With depots around the country, we provide national coverage for our services.
Why choose Dyson Insulations?
Here at Dyson Insulations, we set the standards.
We are dedicated to providing an excellent service to our customers.
We guarantee our customers an impeccable service from start to finish. From the moment we take your enquiry to the completion of your installation and beyond.
Solar Thermal Heating
Why install a solar water system?
Installing a solar water heating system has considerable environmental benefits and reduces carbon dioxide emissions caused by burning fossil fuels. It can save you money as well as being a good way of making your home more environmentally friendly.
How much does a solar hot water system cost to install?
As a rough guide you would expect to pay anywhere from £3,500 upwards depending on the size of your home and your hot water demands.
Does the system only work on sunny days?
No the solar panel collectors located on your roof do not need direct sunlight to operate, they work on natural daylight (diffused radiation). It is a common misconception that solar water heating is ineffective in the UK for climatic reasons, whilst it is clearly not as effective as it would be say in Spain, a good modern system will make a significant contribution to your hot water demands. For example a wee-designed system should provide 50-75% of annual domestic hot water requirements.
What happens when it’s cold, cloudy, raining or in fact snowing?
It will still work in much colder temperatures than we experience in the UK. As for when it is cloudy, raining or snowing, because the system uses diffused radiation as well as direct sunlight the system will continue to work. The only time it may not work is if the panels are covered in a layer of snow for any length of time.
How much hot water will they provide?
A well designed system should provide most of the hot water needs of an average household for the sunniest four or five months of the year. The rest of the time they will contribute to the overall requirements, so typically between 50 and 75% of the hot water demand can be met by a solar hot water system.
How many panels do I need?
Generally speaking you will need about 1 square metre of panels per person, and approx 50 litres of cylinder storage per person.
How will using solar energy help the environment?
A standard size house in the UK using a solar thermal system would save in the region of half a tonne of Co2 emissions per year. Multiply this by the millions of houses in the UK and this would result in a massive improvement to the environment making the world a better place for future generations.
What happens when it’s cold, cloudy, raining or in fact snowing?
It will still work in much colder temperatures than we experience in the UK, as for when it cloudy, raining or snowing because the system used diffused radiation as well as direct sunlight the system will continue to work. The only time it may not work is if the panels are covered in a layer of snow for any length of time.
How much hot water will they provide?
A well designed system should provide most of the hot water needs of an average household for the sunniest four or five months of the year. The rest of the time they will contribute to the overall requirements, so typically between 50 and 75% of the hot water demand can be met by a solar hot water system.
How many panels do I need?
Generally speaking you will need about 1 square metre of panels per person, and approx 50 litres of cylinder storage per person.
How will using solar energy help the environment?
A standard size house in the UK using a solar thermal system would save in the region of half a tonne of Co2 emissions per year. Multiply this by the millions of houses in the UK and this would result in a massive improvement to the environment making the world a better place for future generations.
Air Source Heat Pumps
How much does an Air Source Heat Pump cost?
Air source heat pumps are now supplied by an increasing number of manufacturers with different capabilities and variable quality. They come in a variety of capacities to suit different types and sizes of properties. Therefore it is difficult to determine an exact cost for a full installation due to the number of variables. We will give you an individual estimate based on your specific property.
What sort of properties are suitable for an Air Source Heat Pump?
Air source heat pumps are a suitable complete or partial solution for the majority of existing properties as well as new build. Most properties that can achieve a reasonable level of thermal insulation could be suitable for an air source heat pump.
Will an Air Source Heat Pump work with my existing radiators?
For a retrofit application in newer homes the existing radiators are likely to be of a suitable size and performance to cope with the lower flow temperature provided from the air source heat pump. In older homes this may not be the case and additional or large radiators may be required. We would recommend that a check on the heat loss of the property is carried out in all cases.
Can an Air Source Heat Pump be used in conjunction with other technologies?
Yes, with suitable control systems an air source heat pump can be operated to act in either a lead or support mode with any other fossil or renewable heating technology.
Are Heat Pumps noisy?
Some heat pumps make more noise than others. Older technology such as those with fixed speed compressors are relatively noisy compared to the new generation of inverter driven heat pumps.
Would the homeowner notice anything different in using an Air Source Heat Pump to a traditional boiler?
You will experience a gentler more consistent heat within the room. Not like the pulses of high temperatures to the radiators that occur with the traditional boiler, otherwise the radiator and system controls work in exactly the same way.
Will an Air Source Heat Pump work when it is cold outside?
Yes most air source heat pumps work at temperatures as low as -20 degrees centigrade which is highly unlikely in the U.K. Most air source heat pumps are designed to operate at the optimum efficiency level at any time of year, the technology will automatically regulate the system so that it never uses more energy than needed at any given time, making it one of the most energy efficient ways to heat your home.
How can Air Source Heat Pumps alleviate fuel poverty?
Because of the energy conversion efficiencies within an air source heat pump, the running costs against mains gas, oil, LPG and electric heating systems are significantly reduced.
Can I reduce my Carbon footprint by using an Air Source Heat Pump?
Carbon footprint is a measure of carbon emissions based on energy consumption per Kwhr and fuel type used. An air source heat pump can save approximately 45% of an average yearly Co2, based on a gas fired boiler, and even more on coal, oil and electric.
Is this a renewable energy system and can I get a grant?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme underpins the DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) grant scheme, the Low Carbon Building Programme, and grants are available to applicants using both products and installers who are certified under MCS. For more information on the grants available visit www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk.
