Littlemoor House & Montgomery House

Two Oldham tower blocks have their exterior wall insulation replaced with Wetherby’s A2 ‘limited-combustibility’ EWI System.

The project was part of the housing association’s vision for the future of Oldham that will also see the demolition of two aging tower blocks which will make way for over 800 new much needed family homes.

Littlemoor House in Oldham and Montgomery House in Hollinwood are owned by First Choice Homes Housing Association and as part of a wider scheme to upgrade the borough’s high rises are being refurbished to improve the overall energy performance of the existing structures and enhance the aesthetics of the building.

The exterior wall insulation is clearly visible from the M60 motorway and has been stripped back to deliver major external improvements for around 100 residents.

The existing external wall insulation is not an aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding ‘type’ system that was used at Grenfell, however, replacement of the external wall insulation was still related to fire safety with the old system failing current standards. Therefore, it was essential for it to be replaced at the earliest opportunity. The new Wetherby system includes limited-combustibility stone wool insulation suitable for buildings of this nature and will bring them in line with current building regulations.

Stone Wool Insulation is a consistent density, high strength, rock mineral wool slab with a water repellent additive specifically designed for use in external wall insulation systems. Thermal performance can be maximised whilst also ensuring it has increased long term compressive strength capabilities and high impact resistance making it ideal for use behind our Silicone ‘K’ 1.5mm Render.

Mr Vinny Roche, Chief Executive of First Choice Homes Oldham, said “We have worked hard to develop plans that will give people better homes to live in, both now and in the future.

“We want to create neighbourhoods that provide people with a great place to live and deliver new properties that bring the right mix of quality homes to Oldham.

“The refurbishment work at the two high-rise blocks will see over 100 residents benefitting from major improvements to their homes.

“We believe that this could be the start of a wider investment and regeneration of the gateway to Oldham.”