Your additional questions answered:
Q: Is there an approved contractor list to carry out these inspection and remedial works within Portsmouth?
We recommend that landlords seek out competent and qualified contractors when undertaking work to address damp and mould in their properties. The Property Care Association [Property Preservation & Protection Experts | Professional Advice] (PCA) can help you find appropriate contractors for these works.
Q: Should we be using beaded wall insulation? Some people in the industry say to not use any form of insulation but just to maintain the cavity, yet EPC says otherwise.
We insulate our council homes with blown mineral wall and have insulated all properties where it is appropriate to have cavity insulation. Although most traditional cavity walls can be filled, an assessment of each property should always be carried out to determine the suitability of the walls for the cavity fill being considered. Cavities need to be at least 50mm. Where defects are identified (cracks, pointing, blocked cavities etc), these should be satisfactorily rectified before work begins. Any dampness problems should be investigated to determine the cause and then remedied.
Cavity wall insulation is a specialist job and must be carried out by an approved contractor registered by either BBA or BSI, the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) provides independent 25 year guarantees for Cavity Wall Insulation fitted by registered installers in the UK.
Q: Who can we go to for reviewing heating performance for properties?
Any qualified heating contractor should be able to provide advice on the correct size of radiators in a home.