Tue, 19 Dec 2023 03:47:14 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17931 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17931 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:35:20 +0100 RobinB
Tangentially I'm considering a 60kWh vehicle (BYD Dolphin if you're wondering) with a ticket price of £31k and V2L (vehicle to load) facility.

So the car has 10x capacity of home battery and V2L functionality for only 5x the price? Plus I'd have a car. Can I just have a car?

Hmm. What am I missing? How will UK utilities handle V2L? Might I need a home battery as a staging post?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17924 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17924 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:52:44 +0100 GreenApprentice
I’ve bought some soudatight LQ (liquid membrane) to paint over the cracks in the plaster before we skim (there are a lot of cracks) and was considering using this over the wall to ceiling junction, which isn’t joined.

Would it be better to tape the junction, I can then paint the rest of the unfinished surface where the coving was with the soudatight before it’s replastered. I’m wondering how difficult it will be to tape the corners, I duct taped some doors to keep dust out and it was a very difficult-to-do-dogs-dinner. I’ve seen prefolded tape but they all seem to be for windows and doors or connecting membranes to surfaces.

The aim is to make the house airtight. Has anyone done something similar and can recommend a product?

Thanks in advance]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17851 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17851 Wed, 31 May 2023 20:58:38 +0100 djh http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17728 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17728 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:17:45 +0000 djh
I presently heat my house with an electrical post-heater in the MVHR duct (nominal 1.8 kW), plus a radiant heater by the front door (also 1.8 kW). Both are operated only at night as required, unless there are truly exceptional conditions. Hot water is provided from a thermal store that is heated by PV when available and backed up by a 3 kW mains immersion, again operated for a few hours overnight, when necessary.

I've looked at A2A heat pumps as being simplest and cheapest. I don't have any wet heating circuits. I thought about putting in just one indoor unit in the living room. But now I'm thinking that the MVHR post heater works by heating the air to 45°C and circulating it. I wonder if a single heat pump emitter can do that job? The front door heater is on the north side of the house and in an open lobby so it manages to heat up the colder part of the house a bit extra when necessary. How would I determine what I need?

I've also become aware of heat pump water heaters recently, so I've considered getting one. But the ones I've looked at seem to have the heat pump packed along with the tank and so have massive great air ducts to/from the tank. I don't fancy cutting big holes in my walls. The ones I've seen are also cylinders rather than thermal stores, so need annual inspections and more maintenance. Are there any products that provide the benefits without the costs and hassle?

I also happened to look at the boiler upgrade scheme - https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme - and was surprised to see that the eligibility conditions appear to include me. It says "replacing fossil fuel heating systems (such as oil, gas or electric)". Well my system is electric, so am I eligible? Does anybody know, before I "speak to an MCS certified installer"?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17718 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17718 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:04:08 +0000 djh
They are GLS lamps and supposedly have an efficiency of over 200 lm/W. I haven't heard of anything that high before.
https://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/crompton-lamps-ultra-efficient-led-gls-2.2w-b22-a-class-5-pack-warm-white-clear-40w-eqv-/

Whilst looking for further details I found another product I haven't seen before: T5 LED tubes intended for retrofitting in existing fittings (with the ballast bypassed). There are T8 tubes as well. e.g. https://www.cromptonlamps.com/Catalogue/LED/T5/LED-T5-Full-Glass-Tube-3ft-Direct-to-Mains-240V-AC-12W-4000K-G5-12097]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17674 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17674 Tue, 20 Dec 2022 21:09:05 +0000 chrisjackson184
Does anyone have any experience with 'Airex' smart air bricks, particularly in relation to suspended wooden floors?

https://www.airex.tech

They seem an interesting idea, but not sure how real the benefits would be or if there is a better way (without ripping up the floor to insulate).]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17637 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17637 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:10:29 +0000 TimSmall
The insulation type mostly EPS, but a few bits of render carrier board, and rockwool (for fire breaks) and thickness varies from wall to wall (e.g. cavity vs. solid).

The windows are all partly or wholly moved out into the plane of the insulation.

The render supplier has supplied window reveal beads (they stocked two types).

Before fitting the beads I was looking at the beads and didn't really think they'd be capable of accommodating much movement. One window is SW facing and pretty large (2.6 m high by 3.4 m wide), and this is in the thickest insulation (280mm).

I found this document from the German Association for Insulation Systems, Plaster and Mortar (VDPM):

https://de.calameo.com/read/00110231894f5dbc36809

"Ausbildung von Details mit Profilen und Fugendichtungsbändern bei Aussenputz und WDVS"

(Formation of details with profiles and joint sealing tapes for external render and ETICS)

Google Translate does a reasonable job on it, and there's an extract in English on this supplier's site as part of this catalogue (page 12):

https://www.ejot.de/medias/sys_master/Catalogues%20ETICS/cat-etics/h73/h0d/9230512685086/EJOT-cat-profile-2022-03-25-EN.pdf

... this says that we need high movement ("Class A") window reveal beads for most locations.

From looking at other manufacturers' catalogues, it looks like the beads we currently have here are probably "Class C" (with not much movement, and definitely not up to spec for the big window).

Any tips on any UK suppliers which might stock high movement "Class A" beads?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17612 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17612 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:59:41 +0100 Doubting_Thomas
Lo and behold Myenergi, who make the Eddi have just announced their 'Libbi' modular battery which looks like it might ease my concerns over compatibility and doubling up on diverters/inverters.

No word yet on costs but if anyone else has Myenergi devices (e.g. Zappi), it might be of interest:

https://myenergi.com/libbi/]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17579 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17579 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 08:21:13 +0100 Sandfordbarn
Does anyone have any experience applying it directly to stone walls, in particular the blanket rather than the boards. Then direct plaster/lime over that?

I'm keen on this finish as I'd prefer a more irregular finish, rather than flat boards.

I've seen some European company are applying aerogel render externally (with aerogel granules in the render mix), but I've not heard back from any of them.

Any shared experiences on this would be very helpful - it seems to be a revolutionary product?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17501 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17501 Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:36:29 +0100 djh
But today I noticed that three of the units have died. I haven't investigated yet but I suppose it will be the tubes and I'll be able to replace them from spares. It set me thinking though about my long-term options. I gather ( https://www.auralight.com/en/applications/applications/industry-light/t8-phase-out ) that T5 tubes will be phased out next year and they've become increasingly difficult to source over the years. LEDs have improved to the point where they're about competitive with T5 tubes so I'll probably replace the kitchen lights with a LED scheme. The rest of the house is lit with GU10 LED lamps (5W Crompton) in wall and ceiling surface-mounted fittings.

I'm not sure what to get for the kitchen, so I thought I'd ask for people's ideas and opinions here. I don't like downlights, and the typical triple 5W GU10 fittings elsewhere feel like a bit of a bodge if I fitted them in the kitchen. So what products are there out there that are worth looking at? I do like the idea that the lamps are replaceable within the fittings. I don't especially want to have to do major surgery on the ceiling!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17278 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17278 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:13:36 +0000 jms452 Is it readily available from standard suppliers?
How low-carbon can you go?
Is low-carbon just partial cement replacement with GGBFS or PFA (both of which have limitations) or is there anything better out there?
Are the low carbon versions more expensive & if so by how much?

Thanks in advance

John]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17128 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17128 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 12:06:35 +0100 JulesS http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17063 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17063 Thu, 20 May 2021 18:33:20 +0100 Jenna
The property is semi detached and has a narrow overhang so the cost of adding EWI is likely to be rather expensive and arguably not worth the cost in terms of the potential u-value improvement.

Thanks all.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16699 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16699 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:05:41 +0100 nickbartleet
I've been going around in circles looking at flat roofing options, from economical EPDM £6k to Single Ply PVC £22k, and struggling to make a decision as i know it is an important one. I am concerned with EPDM not lasting due to the glued seams and shrinkage which seems to be the most common complaints. I found a product that a local installer uses called Resitrix, which seems to eliminate my EPDM concerns as it is heat weldable and much thicker than other membranes at 3.2mm. I was hoping to get some insight from people who have installed flat roofs and thoughts on different products.

Here is a link to resitrix (any info from people who have used it would be really helpful).

https://www.resitrix.com]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16719 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16719 Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:13:37 +0100 djh
We have a Tapworks AD11, a model since replaced by an NSC11PRO I think, and I just reread the instructions. They don't say anything about having to get it serviced, and do say 'all you need to do is top up the salt' and suchlike. So I doubt it should be serviced and don't know what would be done if it was.

Does anybody have any knowledge or experience to offer?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16683 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16683 Sat, 08 Aug 2020 23:12:45 +0100 djh
But I haven't yet found a suitable candidate and would appreciate any other thoughts. I've looked at a few LED battens and LED panels. The main obstacle seems to be efficiency; the fluorescent tubes consume 21 W and produce 1900 lumens and I haven't found anything comparable in LED fittings. Also the CRI is 85 whilst LED products seem to be quoted as 80+; I don't know whether that makes much difference.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16610 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16610 Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:42:34 +0100 Triassic
I’ve asked the South Wales company for a refund as they have my money and I don’t have a Sunamp and Sunamp have confirmed they don’t have an order from the firm in Wales. If they fail to provide a refund, what should I do next?

Thanks for the help.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16568 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16568 Thu, 21 May 2020 22:41:55 +0100 djh
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/report-smart-bulbs-have-a-major-security-problem/]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16490 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16490 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 20:25:29 +0000 RussellNewall Has anyone else experienced this ?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16398 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16398 Mon, 13 Jan 2020 20:47:41 +0000 ealingbadger
I would quite like to get hold of a suitable product for use here in the UK but, try as I might, I cannot seem to turn up anything that appears to be remotely similar to the types of gun applied materials that are being spread onto buildings in the USA.

What am I missing here?

Does liquid flashing go by a different name here in the UK?

Does it exist but only in tins for brush application?

Any brands that you can recommend I take a look at please?

Does anybody have experience with a gun applied flashing product here in the UK?

Any help or guidance would be very much appreciated.

If I can get it I would prefer to use gun applied flashing rather than using tape. I will need tape as well, but wherever possible I would like to use the liquid applied stuff if at all possible.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3050 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3050 Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:30:14 +0000 Mike George http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16305 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16305 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 22:34:55 +0000 IanBaker http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16296 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16296 Mon, 21 Oct 2019 13:56:39 +0100 Silky
https://www.de.weber/circle#

Answers some of my gripes about the WDVS systems. Always hated the thought of destroying the house wall when it has to be removed and the huge waste of having render mixed with reinforcement and the insulation to dispose of. I'm still not sure about these render systems, they never look good to me although maybe that is just the German style.. and still don't like the idea of peppering the existing walls with fixing holes, but there are few ways around that.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16241 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16241 Tue, 10 Sep 2019 21:31:11 +0100 r.simon http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16208 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16208 Thu, 15 Aug 2019 11:39:59 +0100 Sprocket
Our foreman has just suggested that if we're going to tile inside we might be better off with an insulated (and moisture resistant) tile backer board rather than insulated plasterboard. At least in the shower and maybe everywhere. Sounds reasonable I think.

I've looked at products available and nothing jumps out at me as "best bet". Anyone here got any recommendations?

TIA]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16170 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16170 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 22:36:53 +0100 djh
It seems like overhyped greenwash to me, but I'd be interested in any other views.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10945 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10945 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 09:27:02 +0100 Shevek
What do we need to flash into a rainwater pipe?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5421 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5421 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:27:52 +0000 owlman http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14292 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14292 Tue, 24 May 2016 19:51:33 +0100 GBP-Keith  
With its mineral basis, lime and cement, Bauwer render is very similar to the traditional renders and plasters, which makes it ideal for use in buildings improvement projects, internally as well as externally. It can readily be applied by any experienced plasterer using standard equipment.
 
The knowledge behind Bauwer’s insulating render and plaster is based on simple processes applied to naturally occurring minerals called Perlite and Vermiculite. Rapidly heating perlite ore to temperatures of about 900°C softens the volcanic glass causing entrapped water molecules in the rock to turn to steam and expand the particles like popcorn. The expanded particles are clusters of minute, lightweight, insulating, glass bubbles. Sophisticated manufacturing techniques allow the expansion and collection of individual perlite bubbles, which are used as fillers within Bauwer Insulation. These minute pores make Bauwer an excellent insulation material for use in a variety of different applications which are two to three times more cost efficient than traditional render due to the lightweight nature of Bauwer.

A further advantage of Bauwer insulation is that the wall remains permeable to water vapour. Bauwer Insulation is significantly more breathable than conventional plasters, and hence it is able to withstand fluctuations in internal and external humidity which helps prevent any damp or mould issues.
 
Perlite and vermiculite do not emit any odours and are resistant to chemical and biological environmental effects. Bauwer insulation contains no organics, is chemically inert, biologically stable, non-toxic, harmless and entirely safe. Perlite and vermiculite minerals are used in water filtration and horticulture industries as well, due to their lightweight structure and non-toxic, inert nature.
 
The first building in the UK plastered by Bauwer was in central London, Carlton Hill. The cost saving vs traditional plaster was about 40%.

Read more at: http://bauwer.co.uk]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15683 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15683 Fri, 20 Apr 2018 13:19:26 +0100 djh
http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9731

This is an update about the render beads. I used the Wemico ones that were discussed (I see their website now actively blocks me from looking at it because I don't have Javascript enabled, so I'm not going to post a link). They were very good at build time, working well to finish the render neatly and simultaneously protect the window. For the most part they still look good and are working well.

However, there's one window (actually a sliding patio door) that faces south and gets a lot of sun where the render bead has pulled away from the window and opened a gap of a few mm. So I'm going to need to fill the gap with some mastic or silicone etc. I'm just letting the area dry out in the sun.

I think what's happened is that the render has moved a bit, presumably because the straw behind it has moved a bit. So I don't think any amount of stickiness would have kept it in place, or another way to put it something had to give and I'm glad it was the adhesive.

And I'm very glad my sills did have upstands on the end! (not that there's one under the door)]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15633 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15633 Tue, 20 Mar 2018 21:43:25 +0000 djh
Does anybody have any experience of these, good or bad? I'm just looking for basic switching and low-power mains control. I'm not interested in 'smart' controls or dimmers, for example. I've found Acegoo and Quinetic brand products that don't need batteries and there are X-10 products that do need batteries. Are there others? Which are any good?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15548 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15548 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 16:30:28 +0000 Doubting_Thomas
However, I'm aware that I need to treat the ply with something to make it properly 'external grade' as the marine spec just refers to the glues.

Some online research has suggested something called Butinox but the best grade appears to have been discontinued (I guess due to the solvents involved). I'm also wary of using anything oil-based that my window installers will need to stick their membranes onto as I'm guessing the glues won't be warrantied for that kind of substrate.

How have others using the ply approach finished their timber?

n.b. The ply will be fully concealed by internal and external reveal boards and sill, so appearance is not my priority. I just want something that will preserve the wood from moisture (and in the event of a leak) and that the pro clima tapes will stick to well.

Thanks in advance.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15549 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15549 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 23:09:26 +0000 RedDoor http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15515 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15515 Sun, 21 Jan 2018 12:18:44 +0000 chrip
As the house is being stripped back to solid walls and timber now is probably a good time to plan for this]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12281 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12281 Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:38:55 +0100 Shevek http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15438 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15438 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 18:30:42 +0000 Doubting_Thomas
I've used it in this arrangement for brickwork cavity walls before and then placed something like XPS in the below DPC area. My current timber rainscreen detail (below) therefore swaps out the lowest band of Rockwool for a 350mm plinth of XPS in the knowledge this is less permeable.

How paranoid am I being, though? It would be far simpler to take the same insulation all the way to ground, but clearly I'm keen to not build in a recipe for damp further down the line. Particularly with a timber internal structure.

NB. external ground levels will slope away from the building more than is shown here...]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11503 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11503 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:50:21 +0000 woodgnome Need some for thresholds in new build and would like to compare prices.

Thanks]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15319 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15319 Thu, 28 Sep 2017 17:23:07 +0100 rsk1 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15097 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15097 Wed, 17 May 2017 20:24:46 +0100 MikC
I'm trying to source some truss nail plates for a workshop roof I'm making. The only ones I can find are either perforated sheet steel which you have to individually nail, such as these. These would be ok, but it's a heck of a lot of nailing.

http://www.strongtie.co.uk/products/detail/nail-plates/127

Or lightweight truss type ones which are "non structural" as below

http://www.strongtie.co.uk/products/detail/mending-plates/149#tab-installation


I want the second type , but decent quality suitable for trusses. I've looked for ages but can't find a supplier. Anyone here know where I can get some?

Thanks in advance
Mike]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15031 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15031 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:51:12 +0100 djh http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15020 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15020 Thu, 30 Mar 2017 21:49:40 +0100 GBP-Keith www.asbp.org.uk]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14857 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14857 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 12:29:44 +0000 cjard
So i'm thinking to just install a small MVHR in the loft of what is otherwise a reasonably airtight (no many drafts) and acceptably insulated flat. Much as I'd love to kick the tenant out for 6 months while I renovate the entire thing, re-insulate, draftproof etc I haven't the time, money or health at the mo (other build has put paid to all those)

I'm hence looking for a relatively inexpensive part way solution to the "oh, the walls are growing black mould" complaint that isn't going to take forever to implement and isn't anything the tenant can switch off or obviate.. Any recommendations?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14593 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14593 Tue, 04 Oct 2016 22:16:52 +0100 criscasa
As this forum has proved really helpful so far, and there is a real bottleneck of issues in my current renovation job, I'm posting another issue in case anyone has helpful feedback. No worries if not poss as I fear I may be "over-using" the forum at the moment!

Basically, I need to put down a new floor that is resistant, super low maintenance, insulating vs cold, resilient against humidity and fits budget. Going through all the options, the only solutions seem a synthetic parquet (laminate or vinyl). This breaks my heart a bit as obviously not great to be bringing more plastic into the world, but more eco options like wood or lino don't fit the criteria.

Plus there are obvous concerns about the off-gassing: formaldehyde with laminates; phthalates, lead and cadmium with vinyl. Especially as have small child.

The parquet guy showed me:

A laminate which meets the European E1 standard for formaldehyde.

A vinyl which rates A+ with this label: https://www.moso.eu/sites/default/files/label/icon/Icon_A%2B_Emissions%20dans%20l%20Air%20Interieur_FR.svg
WHich I think is this : http://www.eurofins.com/consumer-product-testing/information/compliance-with-law/european-national-legislation/french-regulation-on-voc-emissions/french-voc-classes/

I still feel uneasy about using plastics, but then I just realised we are installing a new kitchen and I haven't even begun to check into the components of that (MDF, glue, finishes etc).

Anyone know these rating systems and have a view on it?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14415 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14415 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 21:17:18 +0100 cjard
Anyone got a good source for them, foreign or domestic?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14530 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14530 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 17:54:40 +0100 renewablejohn
Talking to bespoke UK joiners and you mention outward opening swedish doors and they think your from another planet.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13568 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13568 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:34:31 +0100 ratmin I've just come across Aero Therm, which claims to include aerogel in it's constituents;
http://www.insulationshop.co/aerotherm_reflective_insulation_coating_3l_bucket.html
It looks as though it could be a scam.
Has anyone used it? Any comments?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14424 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14424 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:23:27 +0100 flexon Thank you.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14384 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14384 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 12:38:43 +0100 Boreas Anybody had any experience with solar-powered fans? I'm looking at getting one from Solarshop. It has a battery backup and I'm wanting to ventilate a ground floor room with a 130mm ducting already installed leading directly up to the terrace where I plan to mount the panel.
The property is in Spain.
Thanks.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14353 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14353 Mon, 27 Jun 2016 09:34:03 +0100 Shevek http://www.nilanuk.com/domestic-solutions/compact-p/]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12534 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12534 Sun, 07 Sep 2014 13:53:15 +0100 Triassic
She lives in a detached stone built, cement rendered, Welsh 'cottage' high up on a hill, which get a good buffeting during the winter from the westerly winds, so can be quite cold. So the guy comes round and started by trying to 'sell' her a biomass boiler as she's on oil, this she declines. However the EWI sounded like a good idea, so she asked for a quote, which she has just received - £21,000. At which point she called me and asked 'is this a good price or just a rip off'?

I must admit I've no idea, but I say I know some people who may know the answer!She's no idea how many square metres the exterior walls measures, but if we start by understanding what is a fair price per m2 for EWI we can do the maths ourselves. So over to you......]]>