DIY conservatory insulation

powerspowers

We’ve got a uvpc conservatory that is open to the lounge. Typical conservatory issues- too hot/cold/noisy when it rains. Long term we would like to replace with single story extension or replace the roof. Short term we were considering a diy insulation job consisting of
1 screwing in wooden batons following the roofline
2 stapling foil blanket type insulation to the batons
3 cover with 3mm ply or plastic tongue and groove

anyone done similar? Stupid idea? 

greenface2

You tube have a few different ideas . Can cause damp issues so work out ventilation before you think of insulation . Its not a stupid idea but it may not work as well as you think or not at all .Make sure the weight can take it and go for more than 3mm ply (if you can get 3mm) I would suggest 12mm 

FreeBear

powerspowers said: 2 stapling foil blanket type insulation to the batons

Save your money and don't use the multilayer foil stuff. Whilst it is an effective reflector of radiant heat, it is very poor at providing insulation for conducted heat. If you look at the manufacturers recommendations, they suggest using it in conjunction with Celotex/Kingspan type boards. So rather than £100+ on a roll of foil, get yourself a few extra sheets of Celotex/Kingspan - If you have an MKM Building Supplies depot nearby, they are currently very competitive on prices (ordered a truckload today for an ongoing project).

powerspowers

Thanks folks, will have a look and a think. We’ve currently put heavy curtains across from the lounge for the evening and the difference is incredible! So even a little change will be worth it whilst we get ducks in a row for a bigger project 

FreeBear

Another option - As you have a long term plan to demolish & replace the conservatory, how about building a stud wall (insulated) with doors & windows in it. Shop around a few local building reclaim yards and/or a few double glazing installers for the windows/doors - The DG installers sometimes have units that have been incorrectly ordered that they want to offload cheap.

If you are having an extension built, the temporary stud wall will improve security whilst the demolition & build take place.

Bendy_House

Any chance of a photo of the inside ceiling, PP?

TELLIT01

Not answering your questions, but I thought the conservatory had to comply with all sorts of regs if there was no door between the main house and the conservatory.  It certainly doesn't seem that yours does.

DRP

TELLIT01 said:

Not answering your questions, but I thought the conservatory had to comply with all sorts of regs if there was no door between the main house and the conservatory.  It certainly doesn't seem that yours does.

Yes it does in theory, but in practice it isn't an issue. No-one is going to knock on your door to check.

Same with DIYing some insulation too.

powerspowers

TELLIT01 said:

Not answering your questions, but I thought the conservatory had to comply with all sorts of regs if there was no door between the main house and the conservatory.  It certainly doesn't seem that yours does.

Yes a new conservatory does, but the conservatory predates that. I quite like the open plan of the room so erring towards extension rather than conservatory in future 

Bendy_House

PP, there is a loooooong thread on ways to approach this on the Screwfix forum.

I think the simplest and most effective way to do this would be to:

1) remove any foam infill/seal between the existing polycarb roof and the connie's wallplate. This is so a current of air can flow between the underside of the poly roof and what will be the new layer of insulation you are about to add. (Ie, if you removed that foam now, you'd get draughts coming in to the room. However, you will be adding a secondary ceiling made from insulation, and this will be fully sealed around the wall perimeter, separating off the old poly ceiling above)

2) Get some rigid insulation sheets - the Celotex/Kingspan type stuff. I'd go for around 1.5" thickness. Get a couple of aerosols of expanding foam. Get a few tubes of Stixall adhesive.

3) Cut the sheets - carefully and reasonably accurately - to fit on to the underside of the ceiling. Sections will meet and 'butt' over the existing frame sections, so they both are adhered along their edges. Bevel the sheet ends where they meet the walls, so they make a nice contact. Mitre the sheets where they meet in corners. Hold them temp in place using Duct tape until you've cut them all, or most of them, and you know they fit. Don't worry too much about gaps, as your spray foam will fill these.

4) Fit them. They will be bonded to the existing frames using Stixall - this should have enough grip to hold them in place. If it doesn't - if a panel is warped, for example, and keeps pulling away, then have a long batten with a 'T' piece ready to prop it from the floor and press it gently into place until it sets. Once set, it ain't coming down.

5) Run a bead of foam along the edges that meet walls as you fit them, allow to expand and set, and then trim flush with the insulation. Run a tiny bead of foam between each panel as you put them up, unless the panels are a good tight fit together (I'd still do it, tho').

Continue until completed.

6) Now you need to come up with a decorative finish. This could be lightweight T&G cladding (the 'foam' stuff) again adhered to the insulation, a thick lining paper - perhaps embossed - or summat else.

powerspowers

  @Bendy_House ignore the junk!