new windows or loft insulation?

roomcd

Bbrr my house is so chilly! In order to keep heating bills down we are considering upgrading our aluminium double glazed windows. It has been suggested we just get secondry glazing as uvpc won't be much better than we have. others have said replace with uvpc, and now my dad has just said don't bother with the windows but insulate the loft - I'm so confused!

Please help before I shiver and spend too much money!

Thanks

sad_dog_lady

can throw in..... cavity wall insulation

latecomer

If you are thinking about insulating your loft check out the thread on half price insulation at Homebase.

27col

I can't believe that you are still living in a house without roof insulation. If you are, then insulate the roof as soon as possible. It is by far the most effective way of insulating a house with respect to pay back time and initial cost. If you can afford it, then get cavity insulation done as well. Although aluminium is not quite as effective for double glazing as is UPVC, it is still better than none. Some of the older aluminium systems used to have a 'thermal break' built into the aluminium sections and were thus not too bad from an insulation point of view. If you want a quick fix for the windows then the clear plastic would do. It will be pointless replacing double glazing if the roof is an open invitation to heat loss.
I find it difficult to believe that someone would pay a large amount of money to double glaze a house and yet, not think that it was worth while to spend much less to insulate the roof, which would prove to be a much better investment from the point of view of both cost and heat saving. I am not sure what the minimum thickness recommended today is, but I would suggest 200mm as a start.

latecomer

the rolls they have on offer in Homebase are 100mm and cover approx 13m2 per pack. You get 2 for £20 at the moment which I think its a good deal (I'm going back tonight with the big car for 4/6 rolls!)

fluffymuffy

roomcd wrote: »

new windows or loft insulation?

Insulate your Loft!!

fat-tony_4

Loft. Go for the loft.

fat-tony

nickj_2

insulating your loft will not cost a great deal - it will save you more cash than changing your windows - if they ain't broke , don't fix em

roomcd

Thanks for the replies, we do have some insulation ( sorry should have made that clear) but its a bit patchy and not as thick as the new stuff.

sounds like a resounding vote to leave the windows and do the loft ( esp from 27col - thank you!)

luverlyjuberly

Maybe thicker curtains?

thepinkladez_2

I don't know if it applies to you but it may be possible to get free insulation for your home. We have just applied for it through npower (our supplier) and we have an app next week with an advisor. I am sure if you have a search on here you will find some more info. hth!