Roof insulation

Projectx

Hi folks..
I was thinking about getting a kitchen extension ceiling insulated.
It's about 20' x 18' with sloped roof. There is some insulation there ( put there during building about 20 years ago )
The ceiling has a few down lighters . If I put my hand near them I can feel the cold air.
My questions are..
Can I get insulation pumped into the space and if so is it done from outside .
Is it effective.
How will the down lights be affected..
What would that job cost approx.

There is no problem with access to the area.

Thanks for any help..

listermint

You have most likely an Air tightness problem and less an insulation problem.

Best getting an air tightness survey it would be a better overall guide for the entire house than pissing money on poor insulation installations.

Calahonda52

The down lighter issue can only be solved from outside, using what are called "flowerpots".
Is it a tiled roof, ie not felted or similar?

As noted in post 2, you do need to address the A/T issues

Cerco

listermint wrote: »

Best getting an air tightness survey it would be a better overall guide for the entire house than pissing money on poor insulation installations.

Do BER Surveys cover air tightness now or is this a separate survey?


TIA

Biker1

Airtightness test is separate process however a knowledgeable BER assessor will be able to advise on air leakage as well.

listermint

Cerco wrote: »

Do BER Surveys cover air tightness now or is this a separate survey?


TIA

Don't get me started on BER....

If you want a comfortable home then you'd be best ignoring them and going to someone that specialises in things like air tightness.

BER is a government sponsored and mandated box checking exercise. It's generic it's blanket and it can make you waste money on your home leaving it the same levels of comfort that you had before.


Every house is different and BER doesn't really like that..

Biker1

While there is some element of box ticking in the BER system, especially when it comes to existing dwellings there is a vast difference between an assessor that does nothing but 3 bed semi-d's and those who specialise in new builds. From my point of view I always prioritise comfort and health when specifying for new builds and renovations. Anyone just doing air tightness testing may not have the breadth of knowledge required to look at a building in a holistic manner.

listermint

Biker1 wrote: »

While there is some element of box ticking in the BER system, especially when it comes to existing dwellings there is a vast difference between an assessor that does nothing but 3 bed semi-d's and those who specialise in new builds. From my point of view I always prioritise comfort and health when specifying for new builds and renovations. Anyone just doing air tightness testing may not have the breadth of knowledge required to look at a building in a holistic manner.

With all respect.

No one gives a shag about new builds. The system minimum building regs pretty much take care of it that's entirely box ticking.

It's the older homes that need work and guidance are the important ones. And for them BER is a big bag of horse piss.

New heating system

Check


Led lights.

Check


X number of radiators

Check


Windows rated

Check.

All bit parts with scant all solving of the buildings envelope and issues. Worthless frankly.

10-10-20

This guy is epic for info on flat roofs.
https://www.youtube.com/user/stevewater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtLlc-nrr-I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RthYYgzhMWU

Downlighters are basically incompatible with a cold-roof roof insulation method and can't be reasonably corrected with flowerpots (unless they are vapour sealed). A warm roof may be recommended where down lighters are fitted.