Home insulation upgrade and window renovation project 2010 / 11

1. Customers requirements / Job description,

Property Description,  A stone built semi-detached Edwardian house constructed in the early 1900s.

Project type, A retro-fit insulation project combined with external refurbishment, including restoration of existing sliding sash windows and fitting new energy efficient period windows and doors, traditional roofing work including slating and leadwork.

The homeowner of this Edwardian house wanted to completely refurbish the property, maintaining the original features and combine internal renovation work with improved levels of thermal Insulation.

The property was suffering from condensation in certain rooms, and was not insulated to meet modern standards, the property had previously had ineffective and costly roof repairs carried out, the leaking roof had caused internal damage, most existing sliding sash windows would not open.

In order to achieve the high levels of insulation required to the walls and roof space, a detailed home survey was carried out, and a specification and schedule of work was provided by THIAS.

2. Work undertaken

• The front dormer roof was completely stripped and re-slated using a reclaimed natural slate, a high quality breathable membrane was used, new lead valley’s were formed and sections of the roof / loft space were insulated while the roof was exposed, the roof was also ventilated correctly to prevent condensation.

• The old timber barge boards and fascia boards were renovated and sections of perished wood replaced, new lead flashings and work to the roof was carried out to take full advantage of scaffolding.

• The dormer cheeks were rebuilt and insulated, and clad externally in Lead, internally the stud walls were insulated and plastered.

• The property had traditional sliding sash windows, these were expertly renovated, and refurbished including new draught proofing, external renovation work included new treated joinery and new hardwood windows and doors with energy efficient glazing.

• Further work included a new lead roof to the front veranda, and a new slate roof to the rear kitchen extension.

• Outer walls and sloping ceilings were dry lined and new thermal insulation boards were used to insulate the ceilings and walls, insulation was also fixed behind studwork in certain rooms, this was possible as sections of eaves had access doors.

• The remaining walls and ceilings were re-plastered, old stained and perished plaster was removed, timbers treated and defects corrected.

3. Conclusion

Following completion of the restoration and renovation project to this Harrogate home, the homeowner can now use old windows that were previously sealed and painted shut, and they now have a well insulated and draught free home and can expect lower fuel bills in the future.

Condensation and the problems associated with dampness and unsightly mould has been removed, and improved levels of ventilation to all parts of the property will prevent future damp problems re-occurring.

Restoring original period windows, and replacing windows and doors with high quality energy efficient timber windows is a specialist job, our service managed the process from initial assessment to final fitting and decoration.