There are lots of signs that our new house gets pretty cold in the winter so I've started tackling some ways to insulate whilst maintaining breathability. There is a small cavity in the walls but filling this is off the cards so i'll be focusing on floors, windows, doors and loft.
I started this weekend with insulating the suspended floor in our living room.
Went for 100mm hemp insulation for the hygroscopic benefit with a breathable liner to make hammocks. In some places I chose to wedge in and suspend the insulation in smaller hammocks to avoid having to lift all the floor boards. We'll see how wind wash affects the insulation this winter.
It was hard, dusty work and but I am pleased that the floor is a lot more stable since I've refixed it. I like doing projects like this as it gets you acquainted with the house.
One curiosity was in further investigation I'd noticed that the previous owners had blocked off all the air vents with pieces of slate lent against them, presumably to keep the ventilation down in the winter - these have been moved to allow more air flow. Having said that the sub floor appeared to be in good condition.
I plan in the future to refinish the floor and fill in the gaps, I also need to install new skirting board.
I started this weekend with insulating the suspended floor in our living room.
Went for 100mm hemp insulation for the hygroscopic benefit with a breathable liner to make hammocks. In some places I chose to wedge in and suspend the insulation in smaller hammocks to avoid having to lift all the floor boards. We'll see how wind wash affects the insulation this winter.
It was hard, dusty work and but I am pleased that the floor is a lot more stable since I've refixed it. I like doing projects like this as it gets you acquainted with the house.
One curiosity was in further investigation I'd noticed that the previous owners had blocked off all the air vents with pieces of slate lent against them, presumably to keep the ventilation down in the winter - these have been moved to allow more air flow. Having said that the sub floor appeared to be in good condition.
I plan in the future to refinish the floor and fill in the gaps, I also need to install new skirting board.