L&Q Housing — Skeiling & IWI Cold Bridge Return
Wates Framework · Altrincham, Manchester
Project Details
Housing Association
L&Q
Tier 1 Contractor
Wates
Principal Subcontractor
Rubik Builders
Location
Altrincham, Manchester
Funding Stream
SHDF (Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund)
Key Stats
16
Properties
2
Measure Types
SHDF
Funding
PAS 2030
Standard
Scope of Works
- Skeiling Insulation (sloped ceiling sections)
- SWIP IWI Cold Bridge Return at Eaves
- Mineral Wool Eaves Zone Packing
- PIR Foil-Faced Board at Wall/Ceiling Junction
- Plasterboard & Skim Finish
Technical Highlight
Where EWI is applied externally, the eaves junction creates a thermal cold bridge if not treated internally. EmberSol's SWIP IWI return — a foil-faced PIR board applied at the wall/ceiling junction — eliminates this bridge and ensures the insulation envelope is continuous, maintaining the U-value performance of both the EWI and the skeiling.
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Get a QuoteProject Overview
EmberSol delivered a technically demanding skeiling insulation programme across 16 L&Q Housing Association properties in Altrincham, Manchester, operating as a specialist subcontractor under Rubik Builders within the Wates SHDF framework.
The programme presented a specific thermal bridging challenge: where external wall insulation (EWI) is applied to the external façade, the eaves junction creates a cold bridge at the point where the EWI system terminates and meets the internal ceiling line. Without an internal IWI return at this junction, the thermal envelope is broken and condensation risk increases significantly.
EmberSol resolved this by installing a SWIP IWI cold bridge return — a foil-faced PIR board applied at the wall/ceiling junction on the internal face — ensuring continuity between the external EWI and the internal skeiling insulation. Mineral wool was also packed tightly into the eaves zone between the timber frame studs before the PIR board was applied, eliminating any residual air gaps.
All works were completed to PAS 2030:2019 and PAS 2035:2023 standards, with full compliance documentation and photographic evidence submitted for each property. The programme demonstrates EmberSol's capability to deliver technically complex retrofit measures that require specialist knowledge of building physics and thermal bridging, not just standard installation skills.
Site Photography
Photos show the full sequence from eaves zone preparation through to completed skim finish. Click any image to enlarge.
Installation Sequence
Eaves Zone Preparation
Mineral wool packed tightly between timber frame studs at eaves level to fill the cold bridge zone and eliminate air gaps.
SWIP IWI Cold Bridge Return
SWIP PIR foil-faced board applied at the wall/ceiling junction to create a continuous insulation return, preventing thermal bridging where EWI terminates.
Skeiling Plasterboard Fixed
Plasterboard fixed to the insulated skeiling frame over the full sloped ceiling section, with all fixings set and joints taped.
Skim Coat & Finish
Full skim coat applied to achieve a smooth, decoration-ready finish. Compliance photos taken at each stage for PAS 2030 documentation.