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Original poster

Calling any insulation experts!

17 replies

SummerSazz · 01/04/2022 13:37

Our house had an extension in 2003 with insulation spec as per the picture attached.

This is in a room with 3 exterior walls and no heating (other than electric underfloor which is FAR too expensive to have on). The room is therefore currently freezing.

As part of a refurb heating will be going in but there is also an option to have further insulation in the ceiling. However this will somewhat spoil aesthetics with the beams.

Does anyone know if the existing insulation is sufficient in 2022 spec terms or if I should go ahead and get this increased? unfortunately they can't remove what is there and replace it so will be an additional c.2.5cm depth which as I say may not look great.

TIA

Calling any insulation experts!
OP posts:
johnd2 · 02/04/2022 00:15

That wouldn't be enough now but it's not that far out. It won't make a big difference to top it up.
Maybe the workmanship was not good and there are draughts around. Or it's just in need of a decent radiator

SallyLockheart · 02/04/2022 06:39

Insulation keeps in the heat longer, it can not make a room warm by itself. Unless the room benefits from considerable solar gain, you need to have some heating on in the room in the winter in the UK to enable any insulation to even try and retain the heat.

carefullycourageous · 02/04/2022 06:42

Personally I would put comfort and energy efficiency above aesthetics so I would investigate the options.

Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 08:11

@johnd2

That wouldn't be enough now but it's not that far out. It won't make a big difference to top it up. Maybe the workmanship was not good and there are draughts around. Or it's just in need of a decent radiator
When you say it won't make a big difference to top it up do you mean it won't change the effectiveness of the insulation very much?
OP posts:
Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 08:13

@SallyLockheart

Insulation keeps in the heat longer, it can not make a room warm by itself. Unless the room benefits from considerable solar gain, you need to have some heating on in the room in the winter in the UK to enable any insulation to even try and retain the heat.
Yes, exactly and I am getting heating but I just wanted to check if that would be enough on its own with the existing insulation, or given the room is upstairs and 3 exterior walls it warranted more insulation
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Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 08:14

@carefullycourageous

Personally I would put comfort and energy efficiency above aesthetics so I would investigate the options.
I do agree but if it's not actually going to be much different then it's not worth the money or aesthetics!
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Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 08:15

Thankyou all so far by the way - I know it's a very dull question Grin

OP posts:
BewareTheBeardedDragon · 02/04/2022 09:24

Following because I have exactly the same insulation in my similar era loft conversion, 3 exterior walls as well, which is heated but still freezing in winter and boiling in summer.

SallyLockheart · 02/04/2022 09:36

What are the ceiling heights in the extension btw? 67mm of celotex should be reasonable. I understand it should be installed with a gap between the insulation and the plasterboard to give maximum efficiency - we have had that done in sub floor insulation but not roof.

Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 17:01

@SallyLockheart Thankyou! It's a vaulted ceiling so pretty high - 12ft in the middle as a guess and then slopes down to about 5ft

OP posts:
Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 17:02

@BewareTheBeardedDragon

Following because I have exactly the same insulation in my similar era loft conversion, 3 exterior walls as well, which is heated but still freezing in winter and boiling in summer.
It's a pain isn't it! Ours thankfully isn't boiling in summer but we can have the back door open
OP posts:
johnd2 · 02/04/2022 22:57

I meant it Won't make much difference to top it up.

CatherinedeBourgh · 02/04/2022 23:07

What is the extension’s aspect?

A north facing room with high ceilings and no heating will likely be cold, even if it is reasonably well insulated.

Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 23:08

@johnd2

I meant it Won't make much difference to top it up.
Thanks @johnd2. I think I'm going to leave it for now. If it's still cold with the new heating I can think about it again
OP posts:
Original poster
SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 23:10

@CatherinedeBourgh

What is the extension’s aspect?

A north facing room with high ceilings and no heating will likely be cold, even if it is reasonably well insulated.

It's east facing so yes that doesn't help! 🤞 the new heating does what it needs to!
OP posts:
candycane222 · 02/04/2022 23:23

You might want to think about making the eoof more airtight. The insulation you have won't be able to do its job if cold air can sneak round it into the room and warm air can sneak out. This is perfect weather to detect cold draughts - is there any chance you could borrow a thermal imaging camera?

Original poster
SummerSazz · 03/04/2022 07:43

Good point @candycane222 and the back door definitely isn't very draught proof so I think I'll replace that. A thermal imaging camera is a really good idea though, thanks

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