A refurbishment project to upgrade inefficient homes with external wall insulation (EWI) has been completed for Chesterfield Borough Council under a new 25-year guarantee scheme.
The 79 upgraded properties will now reap the benefits of the EWI with lower energy bills
and the householders will also have the peace of mind that the insulation system will be guaranteed by the new Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA).
The Wetherby EWI System was installed by Hamilton Building Contractors to the ‘no fines’ properties at Mastin Moor on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.
Mary White, local resident and chair of the Estate Tenants & Resident Association said: “The insulation has made a huge difference to my home. I now only set my thermostat to 17 and it rarely drops below that. My bills have been less this past winter despite the gas prices going up. The workers were brilliant and cleaned up regularly. I only knew they were there due to the noise. They were a good group of workers and are a credit to the company. Full marks for everything.”
Martin Gibbins, director of Hamilton Building Contractors, commented: “Achieving this recognition for the long term investment we have made in both management and installer training is very satisfying. SWIGA, in providing a 25 year guarantee, ensures that all of its approved installers are of the highest standard, have a wealth of ability and experience and can deal with all aspects of an external wall insulation project, from initial tenant contact to final handover.”
Mark Weaver, chair of SWIGA, commented: “SWIGA is extremely delighted that the first pilot project has been completed, providing these householders with an independent, uniform and dependable guarantee. In fact not only will these householders have peace of mind with our guarantee but will also reap the financial benefits too as EWI came top in a recent report by the Energy Saving Trust which quoted possible savings of £490* per year.”
SWIGA was launched this year to echo the safeguards offered by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency that provides the 25-year guarantee available for cavity wall insulation.
