Green energy advice and suggestions - Feline edition

Martyn1981

Rather than clog other threads, as I've done previously, I'm looking for advice to help improve a cat rescue building I volunteer at, and also do the 'handy-man' stuff for.

The building is actually a modified large stable kit that was built this year, just in time for the insane heat-wave, but that's a problem we've solved now.

I've recently covered up the 8m2 of walls that were deliberately left as wire mesh for ventilation with PIR glued to thin sheets of HDPE.

But, the lady who runs the charity has now asked me about this product

Corrapol eave fillers

to reduce the ingress of cold air where the corrugated roof sits on the outer walls. [The roof is actually a mix of plastic coated steel sheets and clear(ish) plastic sheets and is box section, not curved, but I digress.]

I'm very concerned about condensation if we were to fill these gaps, but at the same time, it would help with the cold.

Am I over-worrying about condensation - many years ago I filled a small air gap where our single sheet glass conservatory roof (with wire reinforcing) met the outer wall. We'd just bought the house, and I was amazed that I could just about fit my hand through the gap and feel the gutter outside. The next day I was met by a large puddle of water on the floor and the foam was soaking wet.

A possible solution to the condensation would be to run a small de-humidifier, 200-300W, which would also provide a small amount of heat too?

Any thoughts?

BTW, from previous posts, still looking at a load of hot water bottles as a better solution to trying to warm up a draughty building.

Coastalwatch

A long time ago I built a carport using corrugated plastic sheeting and similar such filler. As it was open sided it wasn't actually to keep out the drafts but more to stop the sheets making a noise against the joists during periods of high winds. They certainly did the trick on that score. The price quoted on your link seems a bit steep, might be worth looking at the one below and possibly other sites also.
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Eaves-Fillers-for-Corrugated-Sheets-Pack-6/p/240165
I wish you every success in your task although with a corrugated steel roof then I reckon you're fighting a bit of a losing battle when it comes to any form of heating. As stated previously I do applaud your passion and commitment upon the matter.:eek:

Martyn1981

Cheers, it may just be a case of suck and see. As the roofing is square section you get one raised piece then a flat piece along the wall, so individual blockers will be needed. So I'll pop down today and make a template then knock some up from the left over 40mm PIR I have.

Every little helps, just don't want to cause any damp then rot. We shall see.

Also, about 200m away is a Homebase that is closing down, so I can hopefully get a load of bits and bobs cheap, which is unfortunate for the staff there, but could work out fortuitous for the charity and the kitties. Hmm, they used to sell de-humidifiers, I wonder if they have a discounted one! The staff there know me as it's our default shop for walking our Guide Dog trainee boarders, and that's a great way to get to know people.

Coastalwatch

Martyn1981 wrote: »

I've recently covered up the 8m2 of walls that were deliberately left as wire mesh for ventilation with PIR glued to thin sheets of HDPE
I'm very concerned about condensation if we were to fill these gaps, but at the same time, it would help with the cold.
Am I over-worrying about condensation - many years ago I filled a small air gap where our single sheet glass conservatory roof (with wire reinforcing) met the outer wall. We'd just bought the house, and I was amazed that I could just about fit my hand through the gap and feel the gutter outside. The next day I was met by a large puddle of water on the floor and the foam was soaking wet.

A possible solution to the condensation would be to run a small de-humidifier, 200-300W, which would also provide a small amount of heat too?

Any thoughts?

Hmmm! Based upon my limited understanding that condensation is usually a result of warm humid air coming into contact with a cold/colder surface then I suspect the corrugated roof sheeting, plastic or steel, would ably provide the latter.
Thinking about 'cause and effects' then the de-humidifier may assist, but is perhaps just treating the effect so possibly needed on a permanent basis.

On the other hand if the sheeting could be insulated in some way then the need for a de-humidifier may subside.
Thinking about your local DIY store being close by and, having heard from others about the insulation qualities of bubble wrap when used in green houses etc I wonder if this might be something worth trying. It's cheap as chips to purchase and maybe worth experimenting with, if only on a small area to start with!
Good luck with whatever option/s you choose. I'd certainly be pleased to learn you eventually solved the problem however it was achieved.