Project Details & Challenges

Project Details

Client: Camden

Funding: Cost of Living Project

Costs: £17,900

Contract Value £290,000+

Completion Date: February 2025

Overview

Our technical survey revealed a notably cold one-bedroom apartment with five rooms and a single occupant. With three exposed sides, the property was an ideal candidate for internal wall insulation

to significantly improve heat retention. The existing heating system was outdated and malfunctioning, with several radiators not heating properly and some completely non-operational

due to broken valves. While no mould was present, we planned a comprehensive ventilation strategy in accordance with PAS2035 requirements.

Challenges

The resident lives alone with multiple pets, creating logistical challenges for the work team. Our staff implemented special protocols including keeping doors closed, ensuring pets remained in designated spaces, and providing

advance notice of noisy operations like drilling to minimise stress to the animals.

Access to the rear of the property for

scaffolding installation was restricted. Early installation was necessary when side gates could be opened without compromising security, as the area has issues with drug users. This required careful planning and coordination with building management.

Preparation Work

After shutting down utilities and draining the heating system, we removed radiators, capped pipes, and disconnected external wall electrical fixtures. All furniture was safely stored, and the heating system underwent a thorough power flush.After shutting down utilities and draining the heating system, we removed radiators, capped pipes, and disconnected external wall electrical fixtures. All furniture was safely stored, and the

heating system underwent a thorough power flush.

Enabling Works

Core drilling for ventilation ducts, cable runs and pipework amendments were completed to prepare for the main installation phase.

Insulation Installation

Internal wall insulation was installed in stages, followed by plaster finishing and painting. All joints, corners and edges were made good before reinstalling wall fixtures and replacing sockets in their original locations.Internal wall insulation was installed in stages, followed by plaster finishing and painting. All joints, corners and edges were made good before reinstalling wall fixtures and replacing sockets in their original locations.

Heating System Upgrade

New radiators with TRVs were installed alongside refurbished existing units. The system was tested, refilled, repressurised and balanced to ensure optimal performance.

Ventilation Completion

Wall vents, grilles and mechanical ventilation extraction units were installed in wet rooms to complete the ventilation strategy.Wall vents, grilles and mechanical ventilation extraction units were installed in wet rooms to complete the ventilation strategy.

Conclusion

The entire installation was meticulously planned, clearly communicated, and executed within the agreed timeframe, causing minimal disruption to the resident, who was exceptionally cooperative throughout the process. Upon completion, our project manager provided a comprehensive demonstration of all new equipment and highlighted the newly insulated wall areas.

Manufacturer manuals and instructions were left with the resident for future reference.The entire installation was meticulously planned, clearly communicated, and executed within the agreed timeframe, causing minimal disruption to the resident, who was exceptionally cooperative throughout the process. Upon completion, our project manager provided a comprehensive demonstration of all new equipment and highlighted the newly insulated wall areas. Manufacturer manuals and instructions were left with the resident for future reference.