38 WD238
For over 15 years, the UK government has backed schemes to improve the energy performance of homes, including the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) - now in its fourth phase. More than three million homes measures, with over 260,000 properties receiving solid or external wall insulation from TrustMark registered installers. On paper, these schemes appear successful. However, recent media coverage
has exposed a troubling reality of widespread damp and mould issues linked to poor insulation practices. Following public concern, the government launched an investigation ECO4 and GBIS. Shockingly, more than half of the installations audited failed to meet required standards. In response, Ofgem has contacted 65,000 households with solid wall insulation installed since 2022. published in an independent report October 2025. The report suggests that a staggering 92% of external wall insulation installations carried out under EC04 and GBIS were found to have at least one major technical non-compliance. With scrutiny intensifying, Pete
Hollingworth, Managing Director of STEICO UK, argues it’s time to shift focus from installation alone to material He explains: “The botched insulation
crisis rightly places a spotlight on the industry. The publication of the independent report on external wall
insulation under ECO and GBIS schemes highlights that installation practices and accreditation need to be overhauled. INCA are campaigning for this on behalf of members to ensure installation quality is consistent and compliant; INCA has a robust membership criterion and sets strict quality guidelines for its members. “While media attention has been centred on poor installation, manufacturers must also acknowledge the wider distributor supply chain is essential to correcting past mistakes. “Of course professional installation
matters, as poorly installed insulation can trap moisture and cause a number of damp related issues, but it all starts growth in walls, the key is choosing insulation that works with the building fabric rather than against it.” Poorly installed or incorrectly leading to damp, mould and even structural damage. Solid masonry walls are naturally breathable – they allow moisture to evaporate through the building fabric. If this process is blocked, moisture builds up within the wall, risking decay in timber joists and beams.
metric is the ‘Water Diffusion Resistance which indicates how resistant a material is to water vapour movement compared materials can trap vapour making them a risky choice if not paired with proper ventilation. Most government-funded
upgrades, making material choice even more important. There is an ever-increasing community that older buildings with solid masonry walls should favour insulation that allows water vapour to pass through the wall structure, insulation supports this approach as it allows for vapour diffusion, meaning that if moisture penetrates into the and distribute it, helping it to dry out quickly through evaporation. Thanks to its moisture-buffering properties, healthy balance between airtightness and breathability – a key challenge in As one of the UK’s leading suppliers
helping to protect homeowners from the unintended consequences of not putting “Insulation is vital to improving energy But performance must go hand-in- hand with occupant health. Ventilation, over-heating and moisture-control need to be carefully managed. As a breathable building fabric component, regulate internal humidity levels, which contribute to damp environments and associated health risks. Beyond moisture management this holistic approach also durability and the carbon impacts of every project. With an estimated 90% of the 8.5 million solid brick wall homes in Great a complex balancing act. They must align Approved Document L airtightness published BS 40104:2025 assessment framework. It can be problematic to align all needs, but it would seem that insulation offers a compelling solution, helping to support compliance, protect building fabric and promote healthier living environments. There is also the question of how
installers can prove competence. The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA), represents the external wall insulation industry.
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