Should we insulate and plasterboard to reduce heat?
Deonne Lyness
6 years ago
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What windows should we choose?
Comments (56)Hi Folks. The windows are in and I love them. I chose black slim profile aluminium chamfered profile. I've been delaying posting a picture because, as you can see the front drive isn't done yet so the house isn't set off very well in its surroundings. To be clear, the windows we replaced were already Everest replacement windows from the late 70's early 80's I'd guess. The only original glazing we had being external Crittal doors that were ffffreezing, so they have gone and the Crittal stained glass windows by the front door and chimney breast, which we've kept, though they need painting black to match the new windows. We haven't replaced all the other non-original windows, but will aim to do so over the years, when the cash flow improves. I managed to persuade my husband to at least agree to all the first floor front elevation windows being replaced, so now they are all the same when you view the house from the street. The windows of a brick built sun room, front right, that you can partly see, are probably going to be removed, to make that area part of the garden rather than the house. One thing I would say is that we are having a bit of trouble with condensation on the outside of the new windows, which was unexpected and made me quite miserable at first. It turns out we're a bit unlucky, it's a known, but not extremely common, issue with such good thermal insulation in modern double glazing and it depends on the aspect of your house and the dew point. Our front elevation is west and exposed, so cold in the morning resulting in condensation and our view being foggy until the air temperature rises. I've attached a poor photo to show a mild version of what I mean, it can be a lot denser and we have far reaching views from the upstairs windows, so disappointing. But I've got over it. The main plus point is that the rooms with new replacement windows are so much warmer than the ones which still have the old ill fitting wood and aluminium windows. I'm also really pleased that we chose the windows to be black on the inside too. A neighbour up the road has black on the outside, white on the inside and I think it looks really odd when the windows are open. Finally, all the houses on our road are completely different, so there is no uniting feature that ties them together, our windows couldn't clash with the windows in the other houses as they are all individuals, though I suppose you could say they are all clashing, but as we are fortunate enough to be in a big plot with the houses set well apart I don't get that sense. Thanks for looking and all the advice. It was really helpful....See MoreReduced VAT on renovating a house that has been empty?
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Comments (3)Hi retro fit is absolutely fine however there are procedures to check insulation levels that need to be followed. I have had many years experience of using Retro fit ufh system and they can be as low as 20mm. I have also mixed floors from retro to new build Which maximise heated area and especially with new and old for an extension. This is very popular at the moment but it's not an off the shelf pack as many factors need to be assessed in early stages. As a consultant specialising in ufh systems for past 10 years, I have a wealth of experience. It can become a costly problem if systems are not specified correctly. All of our systems have design along with supply, installation and 2yr workmanship warranty. Do have a look at our website www.cklbuildgroup.co.uk and email over your plans to our website. My direct email is karen@cklbuildgroup.co.uk before you make your decisions!...See MoreBasement Insulation
Comments (0)Hello, We need to improve the insulation of a basement apartment. The ideal solution would be able to inject the material into the cavity due to it not being practical to remove all of the plasterboard. I have read some information on Polystyrene Beads that seem to be ideal in terms of being able to instal the material into the cavity. However there has not been many reviews to convince me of the final result in terms of heat retention? Can any one help advise me if this is indeed a practical solution or if there is an alternative method. NB. The attached photo shows the inner recess where we could gain access the void to pour the polystyrene beads. Thanks for your help. Robert...See MoreDeonne Lyness
6 years agoDeonne Lyness
6 years ago
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