Cavity wall insulation

[Cockney Sparrow]

You could check out local services - I think Libraries had consumption monitors to loan around my way. We also have a "Transition" group taking practical action locally and they train volunteers to use a thermal imaging camera so they must offer a visit.....

[oddoneout]

You could check out local services - I think Libraries had consumption monitors to loan around my way. We also have a "Transition" group taking practical action locally and they train volunteers to use a thermal imaging camera so they must offer a visit.....

I was able to borrow a monitor from the library to put on my electricity supply some years ago, I don't know if they still do it, but in any case it wasn't the camera that is mentioned above.
Octopus Energy loans devices to its customers, and some councils/community projects do, but as is often the way provision is patchy.

[Dave2002]

Dave, what sort of thermal imager/where from? Revisiting my loft insulation is on the todo list this year.

This is the one. Mine is 60x60 pixels - I assume for the heat sensors.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B011EOR2IS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That resolution is workable for me. There is also an embedded regular camera which merges its output with the thermal image. There are other gadgets which might be as good or better, though some are a lot more expensive. Apparently some local authorities will loan out thermal imagers for home owners who want to check out their houses, though they may insist on a training course and a refundable deposit.

For my purposes this has been helpful, as we have underfloor heating, and it’s helpful to know roughly where the pipes are, and whether the heating is working. It does take some while to get used to interpreting the results, and getting arguably more accurate results with a digital readout.

[Anastasius]

This topic has arisen in relation to the 7-yearly re-decoration required to be carried out on our block of 14 flats. The last time it came up, one resident cried out on grounds of cost (to him). Now it seems everyone is seriously giving consideration to agreeing. However, concerns have been raised by two of them with regards to possible obstructions to natural ventilation, possible toxicity in the chemical constituents of the insulation, and there have apparently been reports of damp on inside walls and claims made against installation companies.

What are people's views on CWI? Are there any lessons to be learned from having it?

Glad to see sanity has prevailed. What about other forms of preventing heat loss ? Have those been considered ?

[Old Grumpy]

Glad to see sanity has prevailed. What about other forms of preventing heat loss ? Have those been considered ?

Cardigans all round?

OG

[Dave2002]

Glad to see sanity has prevailed. What about other forms of preventing heat loss ? Have those been considered ?

Is that really sensible? I don’t know - it’s not my building, and maybe a balanced view has been taken. If the decision was made democratically, it is possible that long term concerns were over ridden by some who are less bothered about the long term viability of the building as a whole - or indeed vice-versa.

Insulation, if affordable and practical, is generally a good thing, though I do have similar concerns about whether to put more insulation into our house, or to simply keep burning more fuel or use more electricity. With insulation I think there are diminishing marginal returns on putting more in, but some is generally better than none.

[Serial_Apologist]

Cardigans all round?

OG

Available from Cardigan bay, as opposed to Ebay?

[oddoneout]

Is that really sensible? I don’t know - it’s not my building, and maybe a balanced view has been taken. If the decision was made democratically, it is possible that long term concerns were over ridden by some who are less bothered about the long term viability of the building as a whole - or indeed vice-versa.

Insulation, if affordable and practical, is generally a good thing, though I do have similar concerns about whether to put more insulation into our house, or to simply keep burning more fuel or use more electricity. With insulation I think there are diminishing marginal returns on putting more in, but some is generally better than none.

It doesn't seem all that long ago that the advice was that adding loft insulation beyond the then recommended level(100mm I think) didn't have any significant benefit and was a waste of money. Now it's 250 - 270mm - which of course doesn't fit between the joists. It can be difficult trying to find facts as opposed to regurgitated soundbites from sources that benefit from providing insulation.

[Cockney Sparrow]

An electrician working on our house remarked that electricity is four times more expensive than gas per unit of energy provided. Something I hadn't appreciated in such stark terms.

We're being told that we will have to give up gas heating. Energy prices will rise and rise - if only to deter CO2 emissions. That being so, the monetary case for the highest extent of insulation and draft exclusion will continue the trend. I suggest its the ££ of installation cost against ££ savings in energy cost that has changed the recommended thickness of loft insulation.

If you want to use the loft for storage (surely most do) then there are "loft legs" that can be installed which can raise the height of boarding, etc.

[Flay]

This is the one. Mine is 60x60 pixels - I assume for the heat sensors.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B011EOR2IS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gosh, they're not cheap, are they?

Would it work as a dog poo tracer for when the Labradoodle decides to evacuate in the evening amongst the autumn leaves?