Mon, 25 May 2026 08:50:13 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304736#Comment_304736 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304736#Comment_304736 Thu, 28 Dec 2023 21:58:03 +0000 Victorianeco
The house we have 'purchased' or in the process of is completely different being a 5 bedroom detached property of cavity wall construction overlooking the Bristol Channel.

We have a few things that will need doing (ie the whole house) and I'd like to pick all your brains before GBF is no more.

Link to some photos of the property:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11RqhhMeBvsiUnyTCB9q9tw3FefxZ9YaP?usp=drive_link

Our queries are as follows in no particular order:

Heating System
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11RqhhMeBvsiUnyTCB9q9tw3FefxZ9YaP
Standard gas boiler present - we would like an ASHP again and UFH is a must. The existing Ground floor make up is slab (assumed insulated) with a parquet top floor covering. I don't want to dig up the whole floor and insulate then 3" of screed etc. Does anyone have experience with the 25mm pre made trays that just get self levelled?. We understand the parquet would have to go if we want UFH
- Would you even use UFH or look at air-to-air systems? We're not really fans of air to air from our experience in my wifes 2 shops we much prefer the UFH
- Would electric UFH be a better system again and make use of solar and battery storage?

Single Storey Rear Extension (probably 4m x 10m)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11RqhhMeBvsiUnyTCB9q9tw3FefxZ9YaP
- Would like bifold doors or slide and hide etc - recommended suppliers?
- What build would you go for? Block on flat with EWI and a pitched roof with veluxes?
- Flat roof with a lantern?
- Cavity wall?
- What slab would you go for? Or ground screws?
- Timber frame?

Thermal Envelope
- EPC suggests cavity wall insulation present (but no idea what type or how well installed)
- Assume EWI a good shout after the extension and windows are done? Or Before?

Solar Panels - South facing front elevation with both East and West facing pitches
- What is available as a grant these days if any?
- Worth getting integrated panels and renewing the roof at same time? Roof does appear in good order overall mind

Front Porch - Removal
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B-VpHGUqUlascnhMbsdKpxQxifg7WSUV/view?usp=sharing
- We're not really a fan of the front porch it just appears to be dead space
- How easy would it be to turn into a flat roof structure and extend to the existing balcony? Assume EPDM
- Or just remove and install one grand front door

Really excited to take this on as these houses don't come up often on the road they are on and is everything we feel we need in a house]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304740#Comment_304740 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304740#Comment_304740 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:07:36 +0000 Nick Parsons
What age? I guessed 1960s or 1970s. Definitely unlikely insulated if that age. UF insulation could still be 'traded off' against, say, better wall insulation, in the early 1990s. Don't assume floor insulation till you have seen (or seen irrefutable evidence of) it.

Does it have CWI? Retrofit or as-built? If as-built it will probably be partial fill with a residual, vented, cavity. You'd need to close the vents and fill the cavity to close off the risk of thermal by-pass. I'd much prefer EPS beads for this 'job' than 'fluff'.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304746#Comment_304746 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304746#Comment_304746 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 14:17:48 +0000 Victorianeco
It's a 50s/60s build so I guess it probably has no floor insulation. This will be a mess to install retrospectively I'd imagine. If so, do you have any experience with low profile underfloor heating systems?

As for the CWI there are vents present so I'll try and take a proper look. I know the grey beads are best but l assume this would be best done after the window work and rear extension...

If the longer goal is to EWI will the standard 90mm EPS suffice if the CWI is 'upgraded' ?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304749#Comment_304749 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304749#Comment_304749 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 17:39:53 +0000 Nick Parsons
Bear in mind that poor floor insulation is almost worse with UFH because your delta T is not room temp to under-floor temp but flow temp to U/F temp - probably double. MI do not have hands-on experience of 'low profile' (for which read 'thin, with not enough insulation') UFH systems. Can you lose a bit of headroom and alter the stairs?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304752#Comment_304752 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304752#Comment_304752 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 18:52:40 +0000 Victorianeco
The survey I could carry out myself but I'm going I can use the report as justification to lower the price slightly....

This is a lot bigger project than my terraced house...

But this should be our forever home and will add a fair bit of value I feel]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304966#Comment_304966 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304966#Comment_304966 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:04:59 +0000 Victorianeco
We aren't looking for anything too 'modern'

And would cladding or render be a cheaper option on the seafront?

Any sketches or ideas would be great]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304970#Comment_304970 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18054&Focus=304970#Comment_304970 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:02:17 +0000 Doubting_Thomas Posted By: VictorianecoWhat would people suggest to clad our render the front to give a classic/timeless look?

Since this is the Green Building Forum, have you considered:

Lime: https://www.lime-green.co.uk/products/lime-render

or Sprayed Cork: https://corksoluk.com/

Both of which should look less 'modern' than acrylic/silicone and should be better for the house underneath than ''traditional' cement]]>