Tell me about your experience with beads wall insulation

[NinNinJin]

So beads cavity wall insulation. Any good? How do you find it? Not problematic?
We are looking at a house to buy and it has this type of insulation. Done only 3-4 years ago.
How does it behave? Dump problems? Is it warm?

Please

Not us, but previous owners next door. Property over 100 years old, totally unsuited to having cavity walls blocked with bits of plastic. When the next owners moved in the place was so damp they had to have every bit of plaster removed and redone. Rotten floorboards, the lot. The amount of plastic crap beads that their builders had to sweep out of the cavities was unreal and so, so bad for the environment.
The company knocked on my door and offered to do it for free - were astounded I turned down such a generous offer in an 1890s house
It’s a income generator for the companies, but counterproductive for the health of a house and those who live in it.

@Saucery oh dear.
It is a "new build". I think 70s.
We were relieved to find out they didn't use the foam. But then I don't know anything about the beads

I’d get a really good independent survey. If you get a damp survey the company is just going to recommend damp proofing (the mistake we made when we bought our own house).

I work in the industry. Bead insulation is very effective, if installed properly in the right property. Without wall insulation, heat is just leaking through your walls. Generally speaking, for a property of that age, it's a suitable measure.

A reputable installer will have provided a guarantee of their work. If it was funded by a government scheme such as ECO (and the vast majority is), they would have to be properly accredited and provide a 25 year guarantee (the most common of which is via CIGA). Make sure you get a copy of this from the seller. This will then protect you if anything goes wrong.

Bead insulation can still be problematic if installed in properties subject to regular driving rain - properties in the West of the country in particular. Not sure where you're based OP?

@SomeSuchThing thank you!
It is East Sussex, by the coast. We get a fair amount of stormy rain and some nice summers. The land the house is on shouldn't be particularly prone to flooding. It is an ok location.

That should be fine - it's the SW and coastal Wales etc. that the driving rain affects the most. Make sure to get the guarantee and mention that the property has CWI to your surveyor, but wouldn't think it would be a problem.

@SomeSuchThing thank you! Very helpful. And what do you think is the best type of insulation? Least problematic

Bead insulation is the standard for properties of that age. All the options have pros and cons, but bead performs well and if installed correctly, shouldn't present any significant issues. All CWI has a life span, usually of 25-30 years, but with bead it is easier to replace than foam for example, if needed.