Hello everyone,
The house is getting old: built in 1984, gas heating.
Exterior wall construction:
Aerated concrete blocks: Ytong Plan stones G2 = 25cm (10 inches)
Facing brickwork = clinker brick
Between the Ytong blocks and the clinker brick there is something — I think air. You can see it here on the floor plan:
I want to improve the insulation of the house. Is that worthwhile, or is it more cost-effective to tear it down and rebuild?
Of course, adding something on top of the nice clinker brick is painful. But so are the energy costs in the long run.
The starting point for the insulation idea was the government decision to ban gas heating.
A heat pump probably isn’t an option because the house is too poorly insulated. Also, we don’t have underfloor heating — and our screed likely wouldn’t be suitable for it anyway. The floors are mostly tiled.
I’m not sure yet what kind of heating system would be suitable. But insulation can’t hurt. We also have a stove, but it can’t be connected to a central heating system. The stove installer explained that otherwise, we would have to replace the entire stove.
Solar thermal panels alone, of course, are not enough to heat the house. But I think they would be a worthwhile addition.
How would you proceed? Who do you contact regarding insulation questions? For painting work, there are painters — but for insulation work? What are the companies or specialists called? Does this even require a formal profession or training? Who installs insulation and gives advice?
The house is getting old: built in 1984, gas heating.
Exterior wall construction:
Aerated concrete blocks: Ytong Plan stones G2 = 25cm (10 inches)
Facing brickwork = clinker brick
Between the Ytong blocks and the clinker brick there is something — I think air. You can see it here on the floor plan:
I want to improve the insulation of the house. Is that worthwhile, or is it more cost-effective to tear it down and rebuild?
Of course, adding something on top of the nice clinker brick is painful. But so are the energy costs in the long run.
The starting point for the insulation idea was the government decision to ban gas heating.
A heat pump probably isn’t an option because the house is too poorly insulated. Also, we don’t have underfloor heating — and our screed likely wouldn’t be suitable for it anyway. The floors are mostly tiled.
I’m not sure yet what kind of heating system would be suitable. But insulation can’t hurt. We also have a stove, but it can’t be connected to a central heating system. The stove installer explained that otherwise, we would have to replace the entire stove.
Solar thermal panels alone, of course, are not enough to heat the house. But I think they would be a worthwhile addition.
How would you proceed? Who do you contact regarding insulation questions? For painting work, there are painters — but for insulation work? What are the companies or specialists called? Does this even require a formal profession or training? Who installs insulation and gives advice?
The attic is not insulated either. There are 2-3 layers of fiberglass insulation between the wooden rafters. The others were never installed or have fallen out during storms. Can I do something like this myself? These insulation rolls are available pre-cut. What insulates best – fiberglass? How do you fasten it so it doesn’t get pushed out by the wind during storms? Or should this be done by a professional? If so, who?
Hi! Your first point of contact would probably be an energy consultant. You might consider blown-in insulation, which is relatively affordable (under 5000€ for a single-family house). This involves drilling many small holes into the joints and then blowing in insulation flakes. It’s inexpensive, quick, and effective.
What you can also safely do yourself is insulating the top floor ceiling. There are many guides available online and on YouTube for this.
What you can also safely do yourself is insulating the top floor ceiling. There are many guides available online and on YouTube for this.
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