Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:40:22 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18037 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18037 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 12:56:37 +0000 Artiglio
In my never ending project , i’ve got to a bit of a conundrum, the building is an 1800’s 3 bay threshing barn, previously much messed with, slowly working toward converting it to a modernish home. All gone pretty well so far, I’ve now got to what will be the lounge, this incorporates 2 dwarf walls that project about 2m into the room perpendicular to the external walls on which parts of the timber frame sit. Whilst I’ve not gone overboard with the insulation on the external walls ( 60mm wood fibre) these dwarf walls need to be left as they are, but obviously represent huge thermal bridges from both the external wall and ground/foundations.
They soon discolour with condensation when it is cold outside, my plan is to have a inlet from the mvhr in the ceiling adjacent to each of them and an extract on the opposite side of the room ( which is 8m x 5m ), along with a radiator next to each of them, ( room has 4 rads, and designed to be sufficient for the room with flow rates of 50 degrees with external temps of 0) eventually there’ll be a wood stove to deal with the really cold days or the boiler will just get turned up via the weather comp on the boiler.
In my head I’m seeing a continual flow fresh air drawing any condensation that may form away from the walls , but ideally the input of generally drier external air and the heat from the radiators ( keeping the walls above dew point ) will mean humidity and temps are such that no problem has a chance to arise.

Whilst a long way from an ideal construction - planning restrictions , listed building consent and budget constraints , would this be seen as a sensible approach?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18042 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18042 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:42:42 +0000 rsk1
There are plenty airtight breather membranes available, but how do they actually work? Can't visualise how moisture can get through but not air

I've read on here that you shouldn't have fluff insulation in contact with ext walls as it can wick moisture onto timbers. Is that right? given that timber is already in contact with ext walls, isn't that already a risk?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18036 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18036 Thu, 23 Nov 2023 23:25:24 +0000 Jeff B https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:42:10 +0000 Rex
In the greater scheme of building questions, a question about clearing the kitchen sink rates rather low.

But I have just done it and not surprisingly, found it somewhat blocked with black algae and gunk. I have searched with Dr. Google on how to keep it clear but I really do not understand.

Pouring bicarb of soda and vinegar will probably do the job, but that mixture will not get into the trap nor will it get further along the outlet pipes to clear them, which is where my blockage was.

Other than dismantling and manually clearing the pipes, is there a 'best way' to do it?

Should point out that the gunk is not really fat/oil based at all as we use virtually no oil for cooking.

Thanks and toodle pip]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18032 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18032 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:27:36 +0000 Charenteman
Is a non return valve an essential component to the return leg from the pump station to the collector?
My previous install had a NRV in the pump station itself but have just noticed that this is not a feature to the pump station spec to my latest install.
There is little sunshine here at the moment, but is the lack of a NRV going to cause a significant future syphonnage problem when the sun comes out?
Thinking of modifying if I have made a significant omission here ??.
Thoughts anyone?

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18018 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18018 Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:58:08 +0000 lineweight
We can raise the floor level by a bit - doors and so on will be replaced anyway - but not by too much, because then we will run into headroom problems.

It's an existing (damp) ground bearing concrete slab. Digging it out is not feasible. We are looking at an engineered timber floor finish. No underfloor heating. As far as I can make out the basic options are:

1) An insulated underlay straight onto the slab on top of the dpm, and the most insulative option seems to be those which are 5 or 6mm polystyrene. Of course this is not going to provide any kind of substantial insulation but hopefully "better than nothing".

2) A minimal layer of XPS70 or XPS100 insulation (say 25mm) but then you need a layer of board on top of that, then an underlay, then the flooring board itself. To bump up the insulation layer from 5 to 25mm you have to add an extra 40mm or so of buildup, because of the extra layer of board.

My question: are there any other effective options that I've not thought about?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18025 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18025 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:33:02 +0000 Charenteman
Can anyone advise on a set up problem with this controller ModvSol S ?
It should be a very basic S1 S2 temperature difference pumped operation between the panels sensor and solar pocket sensor.
The instruction Manual only illustrates various S1 S2 scenarios.
However when I turn the system on it illustrates S1 S2 and S3.
S1 shows nothing
The expected S1 reading is shown as S2 (48 degrees when I put the tubes in late this afternoon)
The expected S2 reading is shown as S3 (16 degrees at the solar coil area at the base of the cylinder)

The system is not running/pumping at all and I am very worried that the collectors are going to overheat if the sun returns tomorrow.

The pre wired box seems to be wired correctly.

Do these symptoms mean anything to anyone?!!

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17942 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17942 Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:05:05 +0100 jon
Not a lot to the certification side (DNO, Build Regs, Elec certs and so on). I doubt we'll recover the cost (£250) as next stage is the battery. But signed up anyway as being non-MCS but paid export might make a second 'winter array' a worthwhile thing to do (too unique/niche to interest most installers).]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18021 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18021 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:22:33 +0000 owlman Prices vary massively £12- £150. My CUs are Hager and no prizes for guessing who's timers cost £150. Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, of cheaper modules.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18019 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18019 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 09:27:37 +0000 fostertom https://www.newscientist.com/article/2334240-floating-artificial-leaf-converts-energy-from-sunlight-into-fuel

But no one spells it out - where's the carbon coming from, presumably from atmosphere, or maybe from the pond water?!
Seems, at best it's capturing then pretty soon re-emitting carbon already in the cycle, rather than releasing 'new' carbon from fossil sequestration - as well as partially substituting 'harmless' green hydrogen for carbon, in this 'future' fuel mix.

“The crucial point is that we are not decarbonising the economy through techniques like these,” Reisner said. “Carbon is still a key component. What we are doing is to ‘defossilise’ the economy. We will no longer be burning ancient sources of carbon – coal, oil and gas – and adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere".

What does the team think? What about the embodied energy/carbon, rare elements etc, in making/maintaining the 'machinery' and collecting/distributing the product?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17993 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17993 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:50:32 +0100 WillInAberdeen
1) has anyone had EWI applied onto an existing roughcast surface, or does it have to be chipped off first? How is it glued on without voids?

2) can a roughcast surface be applied onto EWI? Most of the systems seem to use a thin smooth top coat with much smaller aggregate in it, 3mm?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18012 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18012 Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:42:03 +0000 tony
The washers seem to have expanded a few mm in diameter and .3mm in thickness, see pics , what in water could cause silicone to blister yet not be harmful to us?

See below for link to photo]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18008 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18008 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 08:49:15 +0000 borpin
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66987799

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-67267093]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17997 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17997 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:39:48 +0100 Nick Parsons
Thanks. Nick

P.S: I got this:

"The information you’re about to submit is not secure
Because this form is being submitted using a connection that’s not secure, your information will be visible to others.' and it would not send. Trying again.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18010 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18010 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:43:30 +0000 djh https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:47:19 +0100 sgt_woulds
As part of my extension works the original 1960 roof was taken off, which has left me with a pile of fantastic quality, highly seasoned, and dead straight timbers.

Once de-nailed they seem perfect for internal partition walls, but will this cause any issues with BC?

I won't try to use them for any structural elements - even though they probably exceed C24 by a wide margin]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17960 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17960 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:50:03 +0100 Osprey
Anybody know if this is a temporary shortage, or has glass wool won the 'loft roll war'?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17996 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17996 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:14:16 +0100 bogal2 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18001 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18001 Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:50:20 +0100 Jeff B
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/10/14/flooded-and-forgotten-how-europe-s-disused-coal-mines-could-help-heat-our-homes?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb

Great that it could be used to supply homes in areas which were once mining communities!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17995 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17995 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:22:06 +0100 Nick Parsons
Thanks Tony. Thoroughly enjoyed it]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17970 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17970 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:21:51 +0100 fostertom
The recently revision to BS5250:2021 was intended to fix its shortcomings, with an excellent whole-building approach to all forms of moisture, in place of the simplistic/prescriptive approach of old BS5250:2002 and :2011. It allows (prefers) use of WUFI via BS 15026, explaining the limitations of the Glaser method via BS13788:2002. Yet I see that Bldg Regs Part C (still 2013 version) still requires compliance with BS5250:2002 (two versions out of date) i.e. use of Glaser method; BS 15026 isn't mentioned anywhere in the current Bldg Regs.

So can WUFI be used at all in UK Bldg Regs? It obviously has been in useful use for years, so what's the route?

And following that, what do I have to do to gain Accreditation to use my WUFI study in a Bldg Regs application? I've done the TGR 2-day course (twice actually) but that included no such certificate. I'm asking this elsewhere, but any idea here?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17994 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17994 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:44:48 +0100 cjard
However, it's going in a seldom-heated 60sqm garden room gym/cinema that will be well insulated everywhere else though so I'm not sure whether upgrading the glazing is actually ever going to pay back the money, effort or emissions associated with the remanufacture. Probably easier all round to get a decent set of curtains

what do you good people think? Is upgrading DG by improving what you already have ever worth it?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17975 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17975 Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:27:32 +0100 Victorianeco
The build is a 60s cavity construction right on the sea front.

I assume EWI would be best but at ~£110m2 it just seems it outweighs any energy savings in the long run...

£30k plus scaffold, roof extensions and so on.... we'd also like to renew the windows at a great expense.

What are people's thoughts? It's a bit of a 'slightly' different project compared to my previous mid terraced renovation....]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17971 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17971 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 20:45:57 +0100 Artiglio
I’ve a house not far from me that likes an evening firepit / bonfire, which when it’s either still or wind blows the wrong way ends up with smoke sucked in through my MVHR, this situation never occurred to me when the wiring was done and the only way to switch it off wothout going into the loft is from the consumer unit but this also isolates another room.
Plus I usually switch it off i house is going to be empty for more than a couple of days. It’d handy to have a more convenient way of turning it off. The simplest would be a wifi controllable switch/ sockett via an app. Plus i’d have the bonus of being able to turn it back on before i get home.

Plenty of options out there, anyone have any experience/ recommendations.

Many thanks phil]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17992 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17992 Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:11:00 +0100 Artiglio
A friend has moved into a new home ( to them) and is experiencing issues with mould. It would appear that there is a bit of an issue of cold bridging associated with an rsj used as part of an extension built about 20 years ago ( in as much as the mould pretty much follows the line of the steel )
Use of a dehumidifier has much reduced the problem and they are taking some temperature and humidity readings in the room. Previous owners had ( they say) no problems , however they were a couple that were out most of the day, whereas the new occupants work from home and have 3 dogs.
They are starting to lean towards installing a decentralised mvhr innthe affected room.
Has anyone on here any experience with such units and if so have any recommendations or advice?

Many thanks.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17988 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17988 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:49:06 +0100 djh
About 12:50 there was a loud pop and my computer went off. On investigation just one RCD and an associated MCB were tripped in one CU. The MCB is labelled correctly as "porch socket" and has a light and a Raspberry Pi powered from it. After a quick look around I turned the RCD back on. It stayed on and power came back where it was off. After another minute or so I turned the MCB back on. It too stayed on and the pi in the porch came back on. So I have no explanation for why the power went off!

Any thoughts?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17963 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17963 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:04:07 +0100 GarethC
We live in a Victorian sandstone building split into three flats, of which we're the 'ground' floor flat, but have a property below us as the land slopes away from the road.

Conservation area. Micro bore pipes, high ceilings and cornicing so little scope for insulation. Secondary glazed throughout with my own product. Four bedrooms. No chance

I'm minded to install 6 unit multi split air conditioning system to the living room, kitchen, three bedrooms and the hall, and retain our combi gas boiler for hot water and to top up the rest of the areas. I hope to reduce gas usage by at least 75% this way. Outdoor unit would be in our back garden which starts at the side of the property.

This is the point where my head starts to hurt. I realise this topic has probably be done to death and I should really just research further, but any observations about whether this is a decent plan, of there's a better one, gratefully received. Desperate to upgrade the heating system vaguely affordably.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17982 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17982 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:50:48 +0100 georgiegirl
We have also installed a 6kW pv array with 5kW battery storage last winter. We are currently still on a fixed tariff that is about to end, but will then switch to either an ev or economy 7 tariff. We are also about to renovate our ground floor. The gas boiler will need to be moved, but I'm more inclined to ditch the gas and so am looking for an alternative to the combi boiler.

I came across the McDonalds Electrastore thermal store and thought it sounded really interesting. It has 2 immersions at the bottom to heat from E7 or time of use tariffs and another immersion higher up to boost the top of the store during the summer for hot water requirements.

I just wanted to run my thoughts past those who know better than me please. I'm thinking that during the summer a diverter could take excess from our PV array to heat the top of the store for evening showers. Central heating won't be required so the bottom immersions aren't needed. When its cold enough to switch the heating on the bottom immersions would be activated and heat the tank at the cheap rate. Does this sound like it could work? Alternatives that don't involve heat pumps? Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17984 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17984 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:30:36 +0100 maxsm
a) slightly chase the pipes into the exterior wall by removing some of the cladding

b) lay the pipes directly onto the clad exterior wall

c) do something cunning I haven't thought of

thanks for any help]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17978 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17978 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:56:30 +0100 fostertom https://fundacjabrda.org/en
Great idea! Already Veronica from Dalston, East London has contributed!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17948 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17948 Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:48:09 +0100 Artiglio
The block consists of 6 flats, 4 have combi boilers, 2 have conventional heating/dhw boilers. The block has two cold water storage tanks in a rooftop tank room. When the council changed their 4 flats over to combis, they didn’t remove the dead legs created in the feed pipes from the tanks nor reduce the size of the storage tanks. ( they claim that the cold tanks also feed toilets and cold taps in the flats, certainly doesn’t in my flat but can’t say for others but very unlikely).

Annual checks on the tanks are perfectly reasonable to which i’m liable for my share, checks on hot water temp and cold supply under hse guidance is acceptable annually and is easily done at the same time as the gas cert. However the council is saying that the block also needs testing of “Sentinel” outlets on a monthyl basis if they can get access. Frommwhat i can see from a web search sentinel points are hot outlets associated with recirculating hot water systems not closed domestic systems.
My council is well known for cosy deals and handing out a contract to check temperatures monthly is just gold plating and will be very unlikely to happen, the charge for this on my block of 6 is £117.50 a month their are 3 such blocks in the building. Nice little job if you can get it.
Is my understanding of “sentinel “ correct ? As the water is heated within the flat, it surely falls into the domestic scope.

Any help appreciated.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17973 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17973 Wed, 27 Sep 2023 09:31:28 +0100 Pete23 I’m just in the process of insulating some large areas of our roof which currently have no / minimal insulation. I’ve attached a pic of my plan. Any tips / advice gratefully received!

Plan is to deepen current 75mm rafters to 150mm and then install 100mm PIR in between, leaving the 50mm air gap behind.
I’ll then overboard with 25mm PIR, a vapour barrier (hopefully just taping the joints between the 25mm boards) and then a finish layer (plasterboard or cladding of some kind).

My plan is to fit 100mm PIR in between the floor joists over the top of the cavity wall so it joins nicely to the 100mm PIR in between the rafters.
We have condensation issues in the room below and in this loft room. I’m hoping that insulating over the top of the cavity wall as far as the rafters will help with this.

I’ve managed to come by a good amount of 100mm PIR - that’s why I’ve chosen that.

Does this look like a good plan?!

How far should I extend the 100mm in between the floor joists into the room? I’m thinking maybe 300mm from the inside of the cavity wall to ensure it’s cosy under there but not waste material?

Will I gain enough to justify overboarding with 50mm rather than 25mm?

Thanks!
Pete]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17974 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17974 Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:59:31 +0100 fostertom
I particularly like this summary incl in the article:

"Richard Benwell, the CEO of the environmental coalition Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: “Net gain [“biodiversity net gain” reqd for new housing developments] joins the chemicals strategy, deposit return scheme, extended producer responsibility, farming regulation and more in the Bermuda triangle of missing Defra environmental commitments. These delays are costly to local authorities, business and nature. That’s not to mention those that have been explicitly delayed – electric cars, home heating and harmonised waste collection.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17972 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17972 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 22:22:39 +0100 Pete23 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17969 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17969 Sat, 23 Sep 2023 14:08:37 +0100 bhommels
:cry:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17961 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17961 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:50:13 +0100 Rex
The area I live in leafy Surrey(!) is undergoing quite a substantial new housing building program.

One local 'field' listed on the government web site as flood plain with once in 100 year chance of flooding, will have around 100 new houses built.

The Trust Pilot highly rated builder, Taylor Wimpey is about to open the show home.
Reading the other thread regarding EPC rating, I would guess this house will be B+ or even A. But having watched it being built, i cannot understand how that could ba achieved?

But of more interest to me, is the 'design' waste.' The show house does not have a fire place or stove but for whatever 'design' reasons, it does have a fibreglass chimney. My house does not have a fireplace or stove, and I did not fit a chimney.

Obviously just a sales gimmick. Seems very strange and unnecessary cost, but what do I know?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17925 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17925 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:07:44 +0100 lineweight
Therefore there is a potential cold bridge where the steel column passes through the insulation layer in the floor. In the case of a beam&block suspended floor, this insulation layer is inevitably some height above the foor of the column.

Looks to me like there are two obvious strategies - one is to add a thermal break at the foot of the column and then wrap the column in insulation up to the floor insulation level, and the other is to try and place a thermal break in the column in line with the floor insulation. Have tried to indicate these in the scribbly drawing attached.

This is not the first thread on here, asking essentially this question. Previous threads from 5 or 10 years back indicate that even trying to do this is regarded as unnecessary or overkill by, eg. structural engineers and builders.

My main question, really, is does anyone have recent experience of this view changing at all? When in the title I say "sensible" approach what I mean is one that has a reasonable chance of being accepted in real life on a job without a massive budget, and not being built to passivhaus standards or suchlike.

If so - even if it's a bit of a compromise - what kind of details have you managed to use in this scenario?

Basically I don't want to waste lots of time overthinking something that is just going to get value-engineered out, when we get to site.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17952 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17952 Fri, 15 Sep 2023 13:16:34 +0100 GarethC
We're trying to develop a more easily-installed form of secondary glazing specifically for outsize single glazed windows common in high street shops, cafes etc..

This kind of property should lose a greater proportion of heat through their windows, and therefore upgrading the windows should reduce heating costs and emissions by a relatively large amount.

I've engaged an energy assessor to produce an EPC for a helpful cafe that has agreed to be a guinea pig. He will produce a pre and post secondary glazing EPC rating.

He's not able to help me estimate the financial savings the cafe would realistically expect to enjoy. This particular cafe uses oil filled electric radiators exclusively, and has massive windows, so we're hoping that the figures are quite substantial.

Can anyone advise how I can go about coming up with a realistic estimate of financial savings? Can't find a calculator online....

Greatly appreciate any help. Thank you!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17918 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17918 Sun, 06 Aug 2023 12:03:35 +0100 gustyturbine https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17934 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17934 Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:46:08 +0100 Victorianeco
They attended without us being there, I told them before they produce the report that the following has been done:

*All light fittings are LED
*90mm External wall insulation to rear elevation complete
*50mm kingspan Internal wall insulation to front elevation to retain facade
*150mm kingspan insulation to ground floor kitchen, hallway
*500mm EPS beads to lounge and dining room
*125mm kingspan insulation to attic (50mm in-between rafters, 75mm below)
*Air source heat pump running wet underfloor heating and oversized radiators. Flow temperature is set to 35c throughout property at design temperature of -3c
*Danfoss TRV's to all rooms with radiators
*Danfoss wireless stats to rooms with radiators
*A rated glass to all windows


He came back with he can only evidence what he can 'photograph'

Where do I stand to ensure the EPC is accurate?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17951 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17951 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:55:23 +0100 borpin
Basically, if you ban the fitting of boilers, and force the installation of HPs and require EV Charging, the local infrastructure requires more power and the Grid cannot support it.

They cite a development near us that the initial planning was for 8MVA but it now needs 35MVA. They can only get a 15MVA connection from the grid.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17950 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17950 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:44:43 +0100 englishjohn
Built around 1970, brick, block and apppox 50mm filled cavity.

Initially my money is going on squaring the property off with dome some extensions.

Externally insulation applied to the property.

The BI has said i can build a cavity as we have currently and then external insulate to meet reg as i wish to do the whole house, or single skin block 190mm block and insulate — any thoughts on the preferred?

I was also looking at Marmox thermoblocks as a whole retrofit -crazy? Would these need to be added to the internal and external skin, it doesn't look like the do a block wide enough to bridge the cavity? This bring me onto the next question.

The other big/massive job I’m considering is smashing the solid concrete floor and installing insulation, which would tie into the Marmox.

If anyone has any initial guidance it would be appreciated.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17953 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17953 Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:46:59 +0100 fostertom Except that a prime reason that big (oil) money is interested in this, is as a way to 'squeeze' or pressurise more oil and gas out of nearly-depleted oil fields.
Almost as barmy as re-manufacturing CCS-captured carbon into new fuel!
Is the availability of captured carbon going to make carbon-fibre into an alternative for steel, other metals and engineering-grade plastics? What happens to carbon-fibre at end-of-life? Doesn't compost, I guess. Does it burn, or oxidise in any other way? As micro-particles, is it dangerous, or in fact nutritious, to wildlife?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17946 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17946 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:47:04 +0100 Artiglio
This has been put out by our esteemed leaders

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home--2#identifying-and-addressing-damp-and-mould-in-your-property

In which a bold statement is made

As this guidance also makes clear, tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould. Damp and mould in the home are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices’, and it is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem, such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation.

Of course this guidance ignores the effects of high energy costs leading to tenants choosing to heat their homes to lower temps , which has led to a surge in damp/ mould issues.

As a landlord who has improved my properties to EPC C and never in the past had issues when the tenants have used extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom , i’m now left open to endless grief in tenants choose not to use extractors and i can’t (if the guidance is applied to the word) say the problem is solved if they use them and need to find another solution.

To get ahead of the inevitable, i want a solution i can employ asap if needed. All my properties are flats, top floor flats i could fit mvhr easily enough if at a considerable cost ( and attendant increase in rent to tenant) but my mid floor flats are more problematic. PIV seems the only real solution to my mind.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks phil]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17939 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17939 Sat, 02 Sep 2023 15:15:16 +0100 Rex
Been following the RAAC / schools closure topic with interest.

While not unduly concerned for myself as my house is timber framed but the external rendered walls are thermolite block.

What is the difference between this RAAC stuff and thermolite blocks? Obviously my walls are not load bearing but I would hate to think that they will crumble in time, albeit, probably long after I have gone.

Your thought are most welcome

Thanks and toodle pip]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14218 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14218 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 12:50:14 +0100 Victorianeco
Ideally we would like to install an AC unit, the building is of solid wall construction, single glazed windows, air tightness is probably poor. Without spending loads on insulation etc as we are only renting, what are our air conditioning and heating options?

I'd estimate the volume of the shop including the cellar to be 385m3

Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17945 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17945 Sat, 09 Sep 2023 13:31:53 +0100 Victorianeco
I'm thinking of requesting a fleet of electric vans...

Any idea how best to approach this?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17941 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17941 Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:40:51 +0100 greenfinger
Following my recent threads, I've started work today and am removing slates at a wall abutment to put in lead soakers and flashing.

Am I missing something obvious or is my only option to use a slate ripper and then use tingles (or hooks) when I put them back on?

I had planned to remove two or three vertical rows of slates, and - stupidly perhaps - thought that by starting at the top I could access all nails to remove them without a ripper, and when putting the slates back on re-nail them to the battens. But now I'm up there it seems in order to that I would have to remove the slates in an ever increasing triangle to access all the nails and battens.

Am I overlooking something? Or is a ripper (to take off) and tingles/hooks (to put back on) the only option to avoid removing a tonne of slates?

Many thanks

PS - from what I've read I'd favour using hooks rather than tingles.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17943 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17943 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:46:53 +0100 borpin
https://twitter.com/NobleFrancis/status/1699340045449035859?s=20

Stopped rising but 40% higher than pre-pandemic prices (ouch).]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17937 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17937 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:54:46 +0100 Doubting_Thomas
I'm currently modelling a Victorian industrial building in PHPP to assess retrofit options. It dates to the 1870's and has single glazed iron frame windows.

Can anyone recommend a resource where I might find g-values of historic glass from this era?

There's a few numbers online for estimated u-values, but surprisingly little on the other performance figures. Given there must have been fewer types of glass back then (no coatings etc.) I assumed there might be a reasonably standard figure to assume.

All suggestions welcome!]]>