Jamie Orr

Retrofitting social housing is a way to make existing stock more energy efficient. But not everyone is clear on why it’s necessary or how to go about it. In this guide, we’ll dig a little deeper into social housing retrofit, including the benefits and some barriers for housing associations.

There are over 900,000 properties in England alone suffering with damp. Flats are certainly no exception. In fact, many suspect the opposite when inspecting problems with damp and mould in blocks of flats. So, are flats more susceptible to damp? Read on as we take a closer look…

Social housing is an important part of the welfare state, providing not-for-profit homes – often to the people who need them most. But as the cost of living rises, attention is turning to measures to keep those homes affordable.

Also known as ‘conversion’ vans, campervans start off as a metal box – an oven in the summer and a fridge in the winter. With a bit of work – DIY or otherwise – your metal box can be transformed into a place of comfort, that protects you from those extreme temperatures with the right insulation.

Mould in rented properties hit the headlines in 2022, when it was confirmed to have caused the death of a 2-year-old boy in Rochdale. It was a wake-up call for both tenants and landlords, showing the serious consequences when mould is left ignored.

When it comes to deciding which material to use for soundproofing, cork is an excellent choice. It has natural soundproofing qualities as its structure is extremely lightweight and tightly filled with air.

Cork is naturally sound resistant, absorbing sound waves with its buoyant, cellular structure. As such, it’s no surprise that many acoustic panels are made from this unique material. But how are they fitted?

Cork is a highly versatile material with a wide range of applications. That spans from the obvious – pinboards, coasters, and wine bottles – to the more obscure, such as iPad covers, shoes, mousemats, or even some woodwind instruments. But more recently, it’s become well known for its use as a thermal insulator.

Energy bills are continuing to rise in the UK. We now face a choice between paying out more or using heating less. With the cost of living rising across the board, more and more people will be forced into the second option.

Cork is an incredible material with countless natural properties, including both thermal and sound insulation. So, it stands to reason that any insulation product using cork will be pretty effective, right? Let’s find out.