Category Archives: Insulation
How can I super insulate my floor – part three: insulation
We chose 200mm of EPS 70 (Expanded Polystyrene) as the insulation for the floor. We considered using XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) or Super Plus EPS 70. The latter was three times the price of regular EPS 70 and the Thermal Conductivity/Lambda … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my floor – part two: preparation
Before getting to work on the insulation for the floor there were various steps we needed to do first including; foundations for the column, drainage pipes, air supply pipes and damp proof membrane. We dug a hole to pour a … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my floor – part one: digging
With a solid concrete floor we faced a real challenge of how to install a high level of insulation. Our three main options were: Do nothing and accept the floor would be cold and we would lose heat to the … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my roof – part three: roof covering & solar
Insulation is more effective if wind is prevented from blowing through it. We therefore taped all the joints of the roofing membrane to try to keep the loft wind-tight. All the joints had to be taped with the extremely sticky … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my roof – part two: fitting the insulation
Having removed the cold brick ‘cheek’ from the dormer, Robbie made up a plywood box which he filled with Rockwool insulation. This would remove the cold bridge that the brick cheek would have caused. Charlie Luxton suggested we insulate in … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my roof – part one: stripping the old one off
To maximise the usable space in the loft we decided to insulate in the pitch or slope of the roof. We also decided it would be much easier to do this if we removed the roof plus it would also … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my walls – part five: roof junction
The junction of the new walls and roof was always going to be an important area to get right on several different levels; aesthetically, thermally and structurally. Some of our neighbours were very concerned at what impact the new wall … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my walls – part four: ground and first floor …
We used Rockwool Cavity insulation because we believe it; Is very stable over the long term (it doesn’t slump); Doesn’t deteriorate when it gets wet; Is affordable; and Is readily available. On the large dining room window we couldn’t fit … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my walls – part three: up out of the ground …
Having laid the two courses of dense concrete blocks were realised that a row of wall ties was required just below ground level. To fit these we had to drill into the polystyrene and glue the wall ties in with … Continue reading
How can I super insulate my walls – part two: below ground level
With the foundations laid the next step was blockwork and insulation below ground level. The blocks were stacked up around the site ready for laying. The existing brick walls needed to be cleaned to make sure the polystyrene insulation would … Continue reading