Cavity Clearance Certification

An OSCAR Onsite Clearance Certificate is an independently issued document confirming the findings of an OSCAR Onsite Technical Monitoring & Clearance Inspection following cavity wall insulation extraction. The inspection verifies whether cavity wall insulation has been removed to the required standard, records the condition of the cavity, and includes photographic evidence obtained during the inspection. Where the inspection confirms the cavity has been satisfactorily cleared, a formal Clearance Certificate is issued. The certificate provides independent evidence of the cavity's condition at the time of inspection and may assist homeowners, contractors, surveyors, conveyancing solicitors and mortgage lenders requiring evidence that cavity wall insulation extraction has been independently verified. CWI is a reportable matter to Building Control, when installed or removed. Our Clearance Certificate can be submitted to Building Control, and can also assist with applications to have new CWI installed, proving the cavities are empty.

A Cavity Wall Insulation Clearance Certificate may be beneficial for: Homeowners following cavity wall insulation extraction; OSCAR Onsite Member Firms wishing to provide customers with independent verification; Housing Associations and Local Authorities; Property developers; Surveyors and asset managers; Conveyancing solicitors involved in property sales; Mortgage lenders requesting independent evidence of cavity wall insulation removal. Independent certification provides reassurance that extraction work has been inspected by an organisation with no financial interest in the extraction itself.

Yes. If your cavity wall insulation was removed by a contractor who is not an OSCAR Onsite Member, you can still request an independent Technical Monitoring & Clearance Inspection. An OSCAR Onsite surveyor will inspect the cavity using specialist borescope equipment and other inspection techniques where appropriate. If the cavity has been satisfactorily cleared, an independent Clearance Certificate will be issued. Where deficiencies are identified, these will be documented together with any recommended remedial works before certification can be considered.

Once extraction works have been completed, OSCAR Onsite Member Firms simply submit photographic evidence and written submissions to the OSCAR Onsite Technical Monitoring Team for independent inspection. On some occasions, we will also attend properties as part of our ongoing member supervision. An OSCAR surveyor will attend the property, inspect the completed extraction works and prepare a Technical Monitoring Report. Where the required standard has been achieved, an independent Clearance Certificate will be issued to the customer.

Every inspection is designed to independently verify the condition of the cavity following cavity wall insulation extraction. The inspection may include: Borescope inspection of cavity walls; Verification that cavity wall insulation has been removed where reasonably accessible; Assessment to check for remaining insulation; Inspection for cavity rubble and debris; Assessment of cavity condition; Photographic evidence; Technical Monitoring Report; Clearance Certificate where the inspection confirms the required standard has been achieved. Inspection methods may vary depending upon the construction and accessibility of the property.

The on-site inspection typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the size, complexity and accessibility of the property. Following completion of the inspection, the findings are reviewed and the Technical Monitoring Report is prepared. Where the inspection confirms satisfactory cavity clearance, the formal OSCAR Onsite Clearance Certificate is normally issued within a few working days.

Unlike self-certification, an independent Clearance Certificate provides evidence that the cavity wall insulation extraction has been inspected by an organisation that has no financial interest in carrying out the extraction or any subsequent reinstallation. Independent verification may provide reassurance for: Homeowners; Future purchasers; Conveyancing solicitors; Surveyors; Mortgage lenders; Housing providers. It also creates a permanent record of the cavity condition at the time of inspection.

If the inspection identifies remaining cavity wall insulation, debris, obstructions or other issues affecting satisfactory clearance, these findings will be fully documented within the Technical Monitoring Report. Recommendations will be provided where appropriate, allowing remedial works to be undertaken before a further inspection is arranged. A Clearance Certificate will only be issued where the inspection confirms that the required standard for certification has been achieved.