Or rather the materials for insulating a property are expensive. And we have lots of it!
There is 50mm insulation between the roof rafters which is then insulated with plasterboard that has a further 50mm of insulation on the back. The walls are dry lined with insulated plasterboard and then is insulation underneath the underfloor heating.
I have spent a couple of days this week putting insulation in the ground floor ceiling. This is more for sound proofing, however, it does help ensure that the heat from the underfloor heating goes up (heating upstairs) rather than down (heating downstairs). This consists of putting 100mm of rockwool between the ceiling joists. This is pushed above the wires and pipes already in the floor. This helps ensure that the insulation does not fall out before the ceiling is plasterboarded.
It is a pretty horrible job – arms constantly above your head with itchy fibres dropping on your face. Strangely enough, everyone seemed keen for me to do it. Strange that.
One thing I have learnt is to shop around for insulation. Everyone knows the big names – kingspan, rockwool etc. But with the big brands come a big price tag. Have a look at some of the lesser known players and you will find products that are just as good, but a fraction of the price. Our insulation has been purchased from Tyne Insulation Supplies (www.tyneinsulation.co.uk).
This stuff is itchy. Having spent a day insulating the ground floor ceiling, you need to have a shower. Big time.
This week I have spent a couple of very itchy days putting insulation in the ceiling on the ground floor. This is more for sound insulation than anything else, but it does help ensure that the heat from the underfloor heating upstairs go up rather than down! I have made sure that the insulation does fall out by putting it over the pipes and wires in the ceiling.