Summary:
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme – a UK government initiative to retrofit external wall insulation in older homes – has caused widespread damp and mould damage due to inadequate installation oversight by national contractors. A National Audit Office investigation confirms systemic failures affecting thousands of households, exacerbated by structural incompatibility between retrofit insulation and heritage building fabrics. Critics argue the program prioritizes large contractors over local specialists while neglecting complementary moisture management strategies like ventilation upgrades. The crisis raises fundamental questions about retrofit feasibility versus the need for housing stock replacement, with civil service accountability emerging as a recurring concern.
What This Means for Homeowners:
- Inspect existing ECO retrofits immediately for moisture penetration signs (peeling paint, musty odors) and demand Section 75 consumer protections if defects are found
- Implement holistic moisture management by pairing any insulation upgrades with PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) systems and humidity-sensitive extractor fans
- Prefer local retrofit specialists registered with TrustMark’s ECO4 Flex scheme for building physics expertise
- Monitor 2025 PAS 2035 compliance updates as retrofit coordinators become mandatory for all government efficiency programs
Original Post:
A government-backed scheme to fit homes with external wall insulation has left thousands of households worse off, with many experiencing damp, mould, and other serious issues.
The National Audit Office found almost all homes fitted under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme – launched under the previous government – require major repairs due to poor oversight.
Readers criticized the program’s applicability to older housing stock, suggesting Britain needs housing stock replacement rather than risky modifications. Others emphasized that effective moisture control requires integrated ventilation-heating solutions beyond insulation alone.
Expert Commentary:
Dr. Eleanor Voss, Chartered Building Engineer (CABE): “The ECO crisis demonstrates the perils of single-measure retrofits without whole-house moisture risk assessments. Historic buildings require tailored solutions respecting vapor permeability and thermal bridging – failure to implement PAS 2030:2019 standards has created a generation of compromised building envelopes.”
People Also Ask:
- Q: Can I sue for defective ECO insulation work? A: Yes – homeowners have successfully claimed under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 when improper installation caused structural damage.
- Q: Does cavity wall insulation devalue properties? A: Mortgages may be declined if RICS surveys identify inappropriate retrofit materials in certain construction types.
- Q: What’s the alternative to external wall insulation? A: Internal insulation with vapor barriers (vapor-check plasterboard) often better suits historic solid walls, despite minor space loss.
- Q: Will mold from insulation affect insurance? A: Most policies exclude gradual damage – immediate remediation via damp-proofing specialists is critical.
Key Resources:
- NAO Retrofit Programme Report (2023) details systemic ECO failures across housing archetypes
- Historic England Retrofit Guidance provides moisture management protocols for period properties
Key SEO Terms:
- Energy Company Obligation insulation defects
- Retrofit damp prevention strategies
- Heritage building insulation compatibility
- PAS 2035 compliant installers
- Government insulation scheme compensation
- External wall insulation mould risks
- ECO4 Flex local authority funding
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
