Cavity Wall Insulation

[MikeH]

I recently enquired about having cavity wall insulation installed through nPower. As a result of my enquiry I was called by someone from Rockwool. Amongst various other questions, I was asked if I want traditional Rockwool or 'white wall'. Apparently white wall is a newer product that's better at filling the cavity. It has the same u-value as Rockwool but is installed through slightly smaller holes. There's no difference in the cost because I'm eligible for a 100% grant for the job.

I've had a look around the Rockwool website but can find no mention of this 'white wall' product. Anyone know what it is? I initially thought it might be the old polystyrene bead product, but apparently Rockwool don't use that anymore.

Once I receive Rockwool's written confirmation of the details of the job I might call them back for clarification as to why I can't find it on their website. In the meantime it would be useful if anyone knows what this product is, or why they apparently offer a choice of two different products.

Thanks,

Mike

[Phil L]

It's white fibreglass, all fibreglass is white and they add dyes to make it yellow or pink for loft insulation or cavity batts, but blown CWI fibreglass is white...rockwool is the colour of cement, sort of like a browny-greenish colour, this is made from rocks, hence the name....neither glass nor rock actually do any insulating, it's the air trapped between that does that, the same with polystyrene. Having worked as a CWI installer for a long time, I can tell you that both work equally well.

There is little difference in the end result but rockwool is more expensive because it's not made in the quantities that fibreglass is, the one that is most often used is Supafil, even if it comes in a different package or under a different name, given that they make tonnes of the stuff every day and sell it to other insulation companies....you can DL a PDF on it here:

[google]

Why? It costs nothing to set up as sole trader. If turnover is low enough (as it would be for this single job) you don't even need an accountant.

[Dave Fawthrop]

| |Dave Fawthrop wrote: |> On 14 Jul 2006 05:12:08 -0700, "Weatherlawyer" |> wrote: |>

|>

|> |If I couldn't afford it I'd see if I can get a grant for DIY. If not; |> |see about setting up a company called the I'm going to do it myself co. |> |And reapply for the grant. |>

|> Setting up and closing down a company would cost more paying for the full |> cost of cavity wall insulation. | |Why? It costs nothing to set up as sole trader. If turnover is low |enough (as it would be for this single job) you don't even need an |accountant.

OP said Company, Sole trader is cheaper, but riskier than a Limited Company.