Is it getting warmer?

After the installation of ground floor insulation and high performance triple glazing with an average U-value of 0.8W/m2K at the beginning of October, all people on site have reported the house feeling far warmer. However, the dataloggers show only a marginal and temporary increase in the internal ambient air temperatures after the fabric improvements, suggesting that the improvements in thermal comfort may be due to other factors such as increased radiant warmth (i.e. the surface of the floor and windows is no longer as cool), and a gradual drop in external temperatures.

Weekly Report - 8th October

The existing windows were removed this week and the new high performance replacements installed. The reduction in external noise levels was very noticeable as well as the feeling of improved thermal insulation. What was surprising that when touched the inner face of the triple glazing was warm whilst the external air temperature was quite “chilly”.

Investigation of the bathroom floor produced a surprise, the construction was expected to be suspended timber throughout but in fact it is part

suspended and part solid floor. This has required a re-think on how to insulation this area so for the moment it is back to the drawing board.

Strengthening works to the first floor area were the new heat store have been undertaken and will be fully completed when the existing boiler is removed and the pipe work reconfigured.

Installation of the plumbing system will be started shortly, this is quite a task in itself, the fitting and coordinating of the various heat sources will be an exciting challenge.

Weekly Report - 1st October

The target for this week was to install and commission the wood burning stove; this required the installation of the hearth, stove, flue liner and cowl. This was all successfully completed in a day and the stove is operational for space heating. The back boiler unit will be fitted when the heat store unit is installed.

We also completed the platform in the roof space and installed a temporary hot water cylinder, this is to be used when the existing boiler is removed and the heat store installed.

The floor insulation to the living room floor was completed this week as well as the flooring in the under stairs cupboard, there now remains the bathroom to tackle.

Weekly Report - 24th September

Although we had previously opened up and prepared the recess for the wood burning stove, this week represented an effective start on the internal works to the property.

The household is a very busy one and ensuring our works fit around the daily routine is essential. During this week we have removed the existing floor boarding to the lounge and replaced it with plywood. This was potentially a very disruptive operation and carried out as swiftly as possible. As the floor is to be fitted with a high performance insulation board cut in-between the existing joists this can now be installed on a “panel by panel” basis. This method facilitates easy access and prompt reinstatement of the flooring if required.

Investigation of the first floor structure to the location of the new heat store has been undertaken. The heat store when installed will weigh some 400kgs and an Engineer designed solution has been required to support this loading. Unfortunately the ground floor bathroom ceiling had to be removed to establish the configuration of the first floor construction.

Preparation work to provide a platform in the roof space for a temporary hot water cylinder is also in hand. The provision of a temporary hot water supply is required as the boiler position is being relocated.

Having reviewed this first week with the residents, it was agreed things have gone reasonably well bearing in mind how potentially disruptive the removal of the existing flooring could have been.

Thermal Imaging and Pressure Tests

Thermal imaging of the property has now been provided by BSRIA.

A pressure test result of 8m3/m2/hr@50Pa was recorded during the same visit.

Pre-start team site visit

A highly successful site visit has been completed pre-construction. This allowed all those involved in the project to put together their ideas and experience and begin thinking about the practical implications of implementing the integrated low-energy solution.

Rod Selby of Jenners said:

“Thursday’s meeting at the property was of great value. Whilst all the members of the delivery team have been developing their own specific areas of work this is the first time that all have been at the property at the same.

After brief introductions the meeting focused on practicalities and co-ordination of the proposed works. It rapidly became apparent the team will work collaboratively and all were greatly enthused by the project.

Discussions with the resident enabled their concerns to be expressed; with a young family it was easy to understand their apparent anxieties. Whilst the resultant works will achieve substantial benefits the need to carry them out in a considerate and sensitive manner is the uppermost priority.

I personally left the meeting in a very positive frame of mind and keen to commence the construction phase of the project.”

Retrofit Diaries

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