Worried about insulation after recent headlines?
Earlier this month there were headlines reporting faulty work done through ECO4 and GBIS grant schemes and that those homes needed remedial work to prevent damp and mould.
- BBC News – Tens of thousands of homes insulated under government schemes need repairs
- Construction News – Shocking scale of non-compliant retrofit projects laid bare
- National Audit Office – Energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation
- The Guardian – Almost all external insulation fitted under Tory scheme needs repair or replacing, report finds
If you’ve read any of these recent reports about mouldy homes and poor quality insulation installed under these grant schemes, you might be wondering: “Is insulation really a good idea for my home?”
The short answer is yes – when it’s done properly.
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to make your home warmer, reduce your energy bills, and cut carbon emissions. But, like any building work, the quality of design and installation makes all the difference.
What went wrong in some homes?
The National Audit Office has published worrying findings about insulation work completed under the ECO4 and Great British Insulation Schemes before January 2025.
In some cases, poor quality work meant that rain water could leak behind the insulation and soak into the walls. This led to damp and mould, which causes damage to buildings and can harm residents’ health.
These failures usually come down to corners being cut – from untrained installers, rushed jobs, or companies trying to maximise profits rather than quality. In some situations, the problems stem from poor oversight or even fraudulent activity.
What good insulation looks like
There’s plenty of evidence that high-quality, well-managed schemes work. The National Audit Office report found that projects with strong local authority oversight tended to achieve better results and fewer problems.
At Futureproof Cumbria, we carefully vet the organisations we work with and only partner with trusted grant providers. We also support clients who’ve experienced issues, helping them to identify the causes and find the right solutions.
This independent, expert advice helps to raise standards and protect householders.
If you’re considering insulation or other energy upgrades…
Not everyone qualifies for grant funded work, but whether you’re eligible or are self-funding your home improvements, good advice at the start makes all the difference.
We offer a range of free and subsidised home energy services, helping you to:
- Understand your property and what measures are suitable
- Avoid common pitfalls and poor-quality work
- Get independent design advice
- Connecting with vetted heat pump and solar PV installers
Even challenging homes, such as older solid wall properties or those with damp, can be successfully transformed into warm, healthy, low-energy homes with the right approach.
Our team of retrofit professionals has expertise across all building types, book a quick call to assess which services are best for you.
