Single-skin porch... or not?

[PragmaticWench]

We are planning on adding a brick and oak-framed porch with single-glazed windows. It is purely for storing coats/shoes/bags and DH wants to keep it as single-skin, lined with plasterboard (plus any necessary membranes) and unheated.

I am concerned that even with a small amount of insulation, the coats will be freezing in winter, it'll be damp and a mistake.

Should we go ahead or revise the plans to include proper cavity walls and a heat source?

(I'm learning the technical terms so please bear with me! )

[wowfudge]

I owned a house with a single skin porch. The survey when I was buying it said the porch was 'sub-standard' because it was single skin. It was only small and I never stored anything in it because of that - it really just provided extra draught protection for the living room as the front door opened into it. It was cold in winter, but it wasn't damp.

You need to weigh up the costs of a double-skinned versus a single-skinned porch before you make a decision. Single-skinned could be a waste of money and could potentially give you a problem if and when you want to sell the house. Do make sure whatever is built is properly tied in and has a damp proof membrane.

If it were me, I'd pay more for a structure with more integrity and less potential for problems.

[PragmaticWench]

Thanks fudge, I hadn't thought of the resale angle. It is all going through Building Control so I'm not concerned about the structural integrity but wouldn't want it to put people off a sale years down the line.

[ReadtheSmallPrint]

I have a friend with a porch like this. It is a nightmare. It is bloody freezing in the winter and the last thing you want to do when it is freezing outside is put on books/shoes that are also freezing. Wet coats/boots never dry out so they end up being stored in the hosue which sort of defeats the object of having a porch.

Get it done properly or don't bother.

[SwedishEdith]

Ours is single-skin and was picked up in the survey as a "problem" as well. It's very handy at xmas for keeping beer and wine cold. Not damp though.

[WaitingForMe]

Ours is double skinned with a double glazed window but no heating. It's fine for coats and boots and has made a big difference to the warmth of the kitchen.

My top tip is to carpet it in heavy duty door mat. My carpeting mate suggested it and it's brilliant.

[SingingBear]

I had one, north-facing, in a previous house. Kept a freezer in it as did the neighbours! Fine for cagoules, wellies and recycling. General coats & shoes were not in there, but kept in the hall where they stayed warm. Basically - I would recommend revising your plans - although perhaps it depends which way it faces. If south-facing, could be fine, at least when the sun shines.