An Attic Insulation Attempt - Cowboys?

thewintermute

Just wanted to get some opinions on the attached pics.
Work was done in my folks attic today and I'm kinda concerned.
Those large gaps shouldn't be there in my opinion. When I rang the guy about it, he said they were coming back next week to blow insulation into all the gaps. (they'd been paid in full and packed up and gone when I called)
He reckons that they were waiting on a delivery of the foam from Wales on Saturday and would be back next Tuesday. (None of this was mentioned to my Father when he (foolishly) paid them €1200. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the gaps weren't there, it would be a much better job, blown or not?
These pics were taken right around the access hatch, I shudder to think how bad the gaps are further in.

Am I paranoid/uninformed or do you reckon these guys areon the level. I'm furious thinking that they are exploiting a couple of pensioners who are physically unable to check their work.

They've also knocked out the television aerial connector somewhere up there too. No TV tonight.

AlanConnolly

Hi,
I've looked at the pic's. It look like ye only had 4 or maybe 6 inch installed. Installed poorly at that. The contractor didnt surely get €1200 for that.

Recommended insulation depth is 12 inch. Were the water tank and pipes done correctly?


Alan

wirehairmax

thewintermute wrote: »

Just wanted to get some opinions on the attached pics.
Work was done in my folks attic today and I'm kinda concerned.
Those large gaps shouldn't be there in my opinion. When I rang the guy about it, he said they were coming back next week to blow insulation into all the gaps. (they'd been paid in full and packed up and gone when I called)
He reckons that they were waiting on a delivery of the foam from Wales on Saturday and would be back next Tuesday. (None of this was mentioned to my Father when he (foolishly) paid them €1200. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the gaps weren't there, it would be a much better job, blown or not?
These pics were taken right around the access hatch, I shudder to think how bad the gaps are further in.

Am I paranoid/uninformed or do you reckon these guys areon the level. I'm furious thinking that they are exploiting a couple of pensioners who are physically unable to check their work.

They've also knocked out the television aerial connector somewhere up there too. No TV tonight.

I dont know the area of the attic but I'm sorry to say but I think your parents have been taken for €1200. yes the gaps are unacceptable but also the depth of insulation supplied is 150mm at a guess. Todays insulation requirements would call for roughly 300mm to 400mm depending on the thermal properties of the materials used. To be effective, the insulation needs to be laid one way and then laid in the opposite direction to eliminate any gaps and thermal bridges. it will be interesting to see if they come back to finish it.

muffler

Is there a grant involved?

Having looked at those pics you definitely need to get them back. Dont allow them to blow insulation in now. They need to tidy up whats there first of all and (im only guessing here based on the pics) they will have to then lay a minimum of 150mm fiberglass quilt perpendicular to the stuff they put down.

Absolutely no excuse for that type of shoddy work.

thewintermute

I dont think they qualify for the grant, but it should be an equivalent standard I think.

I've arranged to meet the guy this afternoon to point out what I think is a poor job. will have to see if he turns up first.

is there any point in blowing fibre in on top of that? I cant see it giving even cover under the lats they've gone over or getting into all the gaps along the joists.
And as for cables?

Not looking forward to meeting this guy.

Thanks.

rayjdav

Grant or not, it should be to some sort of decent standard.
Have a quick google for how to install the stuff if you dont know and it will give you loads of information pre your meeting. Issues like cross laying, pipework, upstand at gables etc. Have a quick read and then at least your man will think you know what your on about.

Lantus

sorry but you've been ripped off.

Also, you never blow foam into any gaps like that. Ridiculous. If needed the correct rolled insulation is cut as needed to fit the joists. Whatever you do dont let them blow foam in your parents attic. It will cost a fortune to rectify.

If this was a grant funded company then contact SEI with pictures and let them know what they said. Shocking stuff. Construction is the cowboy industry. For all its regulations they are seldom checked or enforced. We have a self regulating industry.

Best of luck getting it sorted.

Also, all pipes need to be lagged as well.

Markcheese

Be warey of contacting SEI, my brother received grant, had work done with approved installer, paid. SEI inspected 8 months later. Didn't like the job but said you can't previous contractor as we've removed him from list.... But must use a currently approved contractor or repay grant...eehk

maddragon

Any update from the OP. Did the meeting take place?

Also, even if the job was done right €1200 is an outrageous amount to pay for an attic insulation job unless the area is about 2500 sq ft.

muffler

Markcheese wrote: »

Be warey of contacting SEI, my brother received grant, had work done with approved installer, paid. SEI inspected 8 months later. Didn't like the job but said you can't previous contractor as we've removed him from list.... But must use a currently approved contractor or repay grant...eehk

Something just not right about this story. They would not have paid the grant if the contractor had been removed at the time payment was sought. If he was removed after this then tough ... on them.

Markcheese

muffler wrote: »

Markcheese wrote: »

Be warey of contacting SEI, my brother received grant, had work done with approved installer, paid. SEI inspected 8 months later. Didn't like the job but said you can't previous contractor as we've removed him from list.... But must use a currently approved contractor or repay grant...eehk

Something just not right about this story. They would not have paid the grant if the contractor had been removed at the time payment was sought. If he was removed after this then tough ... on them.

Contractor was on list when work done and payment made...not on list when inspection made , long after money changed hands.... SEI say unless work made good( little things,wrong pipe lagging ect.) by( currently) approved contractor, and signed off on.all money must be repaid, ain't gonna happen though...

focus_mad

How did the OP get on?

stock>

Yes definite i breach of the regulations....