Does insulation board in place of cavity closers meet building regs?

r_c · 20 Nov 2016

The spec for our extension states "All cavities to be closed with Termabate or similar" and the builder tried to tell us that the Celotex he used (see photo) was good enough. We argued quite a bit over whether he is following the spec, and he tried to tell us the old this is how it used to be done line.

But, he also claimed to have shown this to the building inspector from the council and apparently the building inspector was happy with it.

Does this satisfy building regs?

[GALLERY=media, 98791]2016-07-21 20.18.50 by r_c posted 20 Nov 2016 at 10:38 PM[/GALLERY]

noseall · 21 Nov 2016

Yes. I prefer to make my own and foam them in. Proprietary cav clodgers can be shoite.
The foil is meant to go against the masonry with a sleeve of DPC sandwiched between the insulation and the outer leaf.

Nakajo · 21 Nov 2016

It may be an opportune moment to advise your builder that deductions will be made for unapproved deviations from the spec.

noseall · 21 Nov 2016

Nakajo said:
It may be an opportune moment to advise your builder that deductions will be made for unapproved deviations from the spec.

Wait until he's submitted his extras bill first.

^woody^ · 21 Nov 2016

Nakajo said:
It may be an opportune moment to advise your builder that deductions will be made for unapproved deviations from the spec.

r_c said:
"All cavities to be closed with Termabate or similar"

Ian H · 13 Dec 2016

Mine are like that but the foil is the opposite way

Nakajo · 13 Dec 2016

Yes. "Similar" is disastrous. I prefer "equal and approved".

noseall · 13 Dec 2016

A cavity closer is an uncomplicated bit of insulation with DPC stuck to it. Easy to replicate and improve (fixing wise) upon.

r_c · 13 Dec 2016

Nice photo 1990, which matches with what noseall said about the foil being against the leaf. Thank you all for your comments.

Nakajo said:
"equal and approved"

Much better worded