Cavity wall insulation problem

Bambi24

Hello,

This morning the house next door to me was getting the cavity wall insulation installed. The insulation team were at the front of the house pumping the stuff into the wall. After about 15 mins, gluely smelly stuff clouded my kitchen, which is in the back of the house. It was like a cloud of smoke but smelled of glue. I couldn't stay in my kitchen it was that bad. I confronted the installers and they came in to check it out. They said that sometimes happens and there was no danger.They said it was just a water based adhesive. I really don't understand how it got into my kitchen as all the windows and doors were closed and as I said my kitchen is at the back of the house. When my other neighbour at the opposite side had this done nothing like this happened.

Could anyone please enlighten me about this situation. Is this supposed to happen?

BarneyMc

Not sure about the 'cloud'... are you sure this was due to the insulation. I was in a house where the insulation was pumped and there was a strong smell of the glue drying so I assume (hope!) it's not dangerous.

Bambi24

Thanks for your reply.

I assumed it was from the insulation because that was the work being carried out in the house. I've heard alright when the insulation is being installed it smells of glue but I thought this only meant the house that was being done. I had no dea this could happen to the house next door aswell.
I thought it was strange thinng to happen, especially the cloud.

focus_mad

I'm making the assumption that you have a semi-detached house?

I would wonder if the cavity barrier within the walls was fully open, if there were some gaps in it, while the bonding agent and beads would not get through it, the fumes might have?

Just my 2c!

Bambi24

focus_mad wrote: »

I'm making the assumption that you have a semi-detached house?

I would wonder if the cavity barrier within the walls was fully open, if there were some gaps in it, while the bonding agent and beads would not get through it, the fumes might have?

Just my 2c!

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, your assumptions are right about the house. It sounds like that is exactly what could have happened. I just hope the fumes weren't harmful.

BryanF

can i just clarify what type of 'cavity fill insulation' were taking about? there is off-gassing associated with the foam products and if you review the IAB certificates, you may find that windows etc are required to be left open (ventilation) for a period of hours after installation. Its a bit disingenuous that the installers would not suggest this to you when you raised the issue..

you're possibly getting the fumes through the cavity, it just shows how leaky our cavity block homes are - from sockets to non-plastered areas..

focus_mad

Bambi24 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, your assumptions are right about the house. It sounds like that is exactly what could have happened. I just hope the fumes weren't harmful.

Once you opened the windows etc and the gases disapeared, it will be ok i'd say.