How to best insulate 1970s style cladding walls

4 months ago

I have a 1970s 3 bed house with large windows beneath which only have a single layer of cladding, membrane, tiny bit of insulation and plasterboard. No brickwork.
I want to build out these sections under the window to the same depth as the double skinned walls but am unsure as to the best way to go about it avoiding a build up of condensation, allowing breathability etc.
Eg. Do I need to replace the existing breathable membrane with something more waterproof, do I use plasterboard with fitted insulation or fill with rockwool/knauf?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Comments (9)

Jonathan
4 months ago
I wouldn’t change the external appearance of your house. Maintaining a cohesive streetscape is important to maintaining its value. Instead I would be asking a general builder to make the section under the windows deeper (so deeper window cill and radiator moved into the room slightly). This way additional insulation can be added under the windows.

You can also increase the overall insulation in your house my increasing lost insulation and reducing drafts. You can also replace older boilers for newer more efficient models to help keep the house warmer for less spend.
Mary
Original Author
4 months ago
Thanks Jonathan, that's what I'm planning to do but I want to know the best way to insulate that section under the window inside seeing as it's not brick, only cladding, so the standard way of insulating most likely won't be the best option.
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Chris Morgan-Jones
4 months ago
It might be worth looking into Rockwool Rainscreen. There’s a good installation guide on their website.
Mary
Original Author
4 months ago
Hi Chris, I'm looking to insulate internally, not externally. Looking at the rockwool rainscreen instructions, it seems to be for external insulation
Jonathan
4 months ago
I think you have misunderstood what you have. You likely have a timber frame under the window with plasterboard on the inside and felt and horizontal planks on the outside. The way it was constructed likely left an air gap in the centre of the frame and this was considered insulation at the time of construction….. since then someone many have filled that gap with insulation but it’s unlikely. So I’m proposing that you make the gap bigger in order to create a space for thick insulation. I didn’t think you would be doing this yourself so if you need a step by step build you need to consult YouTube for a video. However if you are just looking to understand the process then you need to remove the horizontal exterior to check for rot and see if any timber needs replacing. You need the interior plasterboard removing and the frame bolstered in order to create a thicker cavity for insulation. You will likely use a board insulation as it’s better than fibreglass, use expanding foam and add tape to insure no drafts then replace the weatherproofing on the outside. New UPVC cladding can also add to the insulation. On the interior you can replace the plasterboard with an insulating one although most builders will tell you the incremental improvement in insulation is minor and the best result will be creating a bigger cavity under the window and insulating that.
Chris Morgan-Jones
4 months ago
The installation guide shows you all of the layers from cladding to plasterboard. You could just do an insulated plasterboard, most have a built in vapour control layer, but it probably won’t be as effective as installing a complete system. I’m sure that it will still be an improvement if it’s all that your budget will allow.
Mary
Original Author
4 months ago
Thanks, that's very helpful!
Jonathan
4 months ago
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UiimxHdnCzE

This video shows some pictures that illustrate the construction I described
Mary
Original Author
4 months ago
Thanks Jonathan, that's a very useful YouTube video. I did have a look behind the plaster and it had this old insulation, and behind that a breathable membrane very old but still intact.

How to best insulate 1970s style cladding walls

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How to best insulate 1970s style cladding walls

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