In 2017, the Housing Executive commissioned research to survey cavity wall insulation to both social and private dwellings within Northern Ireland. A sample of more than 800 Housing Executive properties and 100 privately owned homes were surveyed as part of the research.The research findings were published in May 2019.

The research found that of the Housing Executive stock surveyed, 63% had cavity wall insulation which was non-compliant with current industry standards leaving 37% compliant. This means that voids and/or debris in the cavity have been identified. Additionally, it was discovered that for 1% of properties surveyed, their external façade had deteriorated and the internal fabric had been compromised; 32% had building fabric that had been compromised but the situation was stable and 51% had minimal building fabric defects with no serious underlying causes. Sixteen percent of the stock was found to be defect-free.

Early next year the Housing Executive proposes to bring forward a longer term strategy and action plan for addressing the broader issues that have been identified.