Warmer homes FAQ
External wall insulation is where we insulate the outer walls of a building, in this case, your home, to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency by stopping heat from escaping.
We’ll add the first layer of insulation to your outside walls which will keep your home nice and warm, then the outer protective layer, which you’ll see, will protect your home from the weather as well as improve the appearance of your home to give it a nice new fresh look.
The finish will be textured render or dash, depending on location. The colour will be decided by VIVID so it’s in keeping with the existing street scene.
We'll check existing insulation and remove or repair if it’s not performing well, using improved materials and techniques..
No. Those blocks had what is known as Rainscreen Cladding, the products being installed on your property are totally different. While the insulation board which will be fixed onto the walls looks the same as that which is being removed from tower blocks, the render which is applied afterward is completely different from the aluminium cladding which is on a Rainscreen System.
We would encourage you to inform your insurance provider of the work which will be undertaken and be clear to them that the property is receiving external wall insulation and not cladding.
Once we have completed all the necessary surveys and know your home is suitable, the install process should take 4-6 weeks (weather permitting).
Each layer of render which is applied has a minimum curing period before the next layer can be applied. This is typically 2 to 3 days. Because of this there may be days where the weather is “perfect”, but no work is taking place. There will also be occasions where render is not applied due to the forecasted weather.
When we contact you with any appointment details we will also provide contact numbers. You will be able to get in touch to rearrange any appointments which you can’t make.
During the installation, our teams will need to access your home to complete some of the internal work associated with the insulation. Within reason, this will be done at a time that is convenient for you.
External wall insulation will stop moisture created by day to day activities such as cooking and drying clothes which used to travel through your walls to the outside of the property. This moisture needs somewhere to go, which is why we are installing new extract ventilation in the property and making other adjustments. Information on how to use these items properly will be included in the documentation which provided when the works are completed.
Yes, you’ll receive a 25-year Insurance-backed warranty, which we will arrange for you.
No - when properly installed, wall insulation helps prevent damp when combined with adequate ventilation. We check for and fix any existing damp issues first and use moisture-resistant materials.
You'll need to remove the dish when the installation is taking place, but we'll take care of that for you and make sure you’re still able to watch Sky TV whilst the installation is taking place. We will put your dish back when the work is finished.
Yes please, but only when the installation is taking place.
You can find out more about wall insulation in this article.
Loft insulation is a type of insulation material that is installed in the roof space of a property to reduce the amount of heat that is lost through the roof.
Loft insulation is typically installed by laying insulation material between and over the joists in the roof space. The insulation material will be mineral wool. We use this as it has superior fire and moisture resistance compared to other types of insulation.
Loft insulation is important because it helps to reduce your energy bills by preventing heat from escaping through the roof. It can also help to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Older insulations can compress over time, but modern materials are far more effective and will last longer.
Typically it can take a few hours, or up to a day, depending on the size of the loft.
Yes your loft will need to be cleared of belongings prior to the installation.
Our teams can create safe access where needed; we work with all property types using specialist equipment and techniques in even the most difficult spaces.
Loft boarding for storage is not included as part of the loft insulation process, however walk boards will be fitted where access is required to appliances such as water tanks/boilers that are located in the loft space.
Yes, we’ll insulate your pipes at the same time as laying loft insulation.
Loft insulation can last for up to 40 years or more, depending on the type of insulation material used and how it's installed.
No, loft insulation should not make your home too hot. It is designed to regulate the temperature of your home by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
No, this isn’t included.
No, we don’t allow customers access to their loft and it shouldn't be used for storage.
You can find out more about loft insulation in this article.
For houses, usually in the loft or utility room. For flats there are compact solutions available; all equipment will be neatly installed and hidden. Installation plans are all custom to your property with space requirements discussed upfront.
We don’t install batteries as standard with all solar panel systems. Where we do install a battery, you can store daytime electricity for evening use or when the sun isn’t shining.
Yes - solar panels work even on cloudy days; modern panels are super-efficient.
Installation tends to take around 1-2 days to complete.
You can find out more about solar panels in this article.
It’s true electricity costs more per unit than gas, but super-efficient modern systems are offsetting this. Smart tariffs (like Economy 7) allow cheaper off-peak charging, and we provide clear cost comparisons to guide you.
Not anymore! Modern storage heaters are 30% more efficient than old manual ones.
You can find out more about electric heating in this article.
Air source heart pumps maintain steady, comfortable temperatures and allow each room to be individually controlled. Heat pumps have been used widely for many years in countries with very cold winters.
No, air source heat pumps work in a different way. Set the timer to start the heating at least 3 hours before you need it, and lower the temperature at least 3 hours before bed. This will give the heat pump enough time to reach the desired temperature and avoid frequent on-and-off cycles, which can reduce its efficiency and lifespan.
They’re quieter than a modern washing machine, typically 40-60 decibels from 1 metre away, and can be programmed for quieter night operation. Our engineers will always carefully position them to minimise disturbance.
The outside unit is similar to an air conditioning unit with various installation options (wall or ground mounted). The hot water tank typically fits where the old system was, and all pipework is neatly concealed.
Yes, your supplier may offer you a better tariff that’s more suitable for a heat pump user. It may require you to install a smart meter if you didn’t have one before. This way you may be able to benefit from much cheaper electricity during off peak times.
You can find out more about air source heat pumps in this article.
Groundworks can take several days, depending on property size, but we’ll keep you informed throughout. We will also try to minimise disruption inside your home.
Space is needed for underground pipes (trenches or boreholes) and an indoor unit, but this is usually replacing a pre-existing boiler and hot water tank.
Ground source heat pumps are one of the most efficient heating systems, keeping costs low in the long run. We’ll help you understand tariff options and heating controls to help you manage your heating costs.
You can find out more about ground source heat pumps in this article.
Heat networks often have fixed tariffs. A heat meter helps track and manage usage and provide clear cost breakdowns.
The internal heat interface unit (HIU) is similar in size to a small boiler and the insulated pipes that lead into them aren’t visible inside your home.
New heat networks are highly regulated and designed to be incredibly efficient. Your heat interface unit isolates your home, so if something goes wrong in one home, it won’t affect yours. They can also feature smart pipes that can detect and report on any leaks instantly.
You can’t change a supplier as this is not gas nor other fuel that is distributed to your home, but heat. Heat (as hot water) is being produced in the centralised boiler or a heat pump. Then via network of pipes, it reaches your home. Gas or electricity feeding to a source of heat will have one supplier competitively procured by VIVID.
Installation time frames can vary depending on property type and existing infrastructure.
