Hello,
I am currently in the process of buying a house that is a bit older, which I actually like for that reason, and I want to preserve its appearance as much as possible while improving the very poor energy efficiency (269.3 kWh/(m2·a)) as much as I can.
One challenge is the uninsulated extension with two glass block panels (approximately 250cm (98 inches) x 300cm (118 inches) and 80cm (31 inches) x 230cm (91 inches)). The blocks are narrower than the surrounding wall (24cm (9.5 inches), aerated concrete) and are flush with the interior side, leaving an approximately 6cm (2.4 inches) wide continuous gap on the outside.
My idea is to attach small wooden battens (2cm (0.8 inches) thick) all around to the exterior wall as a fixing point and spacer, then install one or more glass or acrylic sheets, and finally add another 2cm (0.8 inches) batten as a frame.
This would minimally affect the appearance, but would I achieve better insulation with this approach, or could it cause problems in the long run?
Thanks
Hans-Joerg
I am currently in the process of buying a house that is a bit older, which I actually like for that reason, and I want to preserve its appearance as much as possible while improving the very poor energy efficiency (269.3 kWh/(m2·a)) as much as I can.
One challenge is the uninsulated extension with two glass block panels (approximately 250cm (98 inches) x 300cm (118 inches) and 80cm (31 inches) x 230cm (91 inches)). The blocks are narrower than the surrounding wall (24cm (9.5 inches), aerated concrete) and are flush with the interior side, leaving an approximately 6cm (2.4 inches) wide continuous gap on the outside.
My idea is to attach small wooden battens (2cm (0.8 inches) thick) all around to the exterior wall as a fixing point and spacer, then install one or more glass or acrylic sheets, and finally add another 2cm (0.8 inches) batten as a frame.
This would minimally affect the appearance, but would I achieve better insulation with this approach, or could it cause problems in the long run?
Thanks
Hans-Joerg
F
fach1werk14 Jul 2020 08:38Fixed glazing is a good option, and it is more affordable than windows. Since you will likely subdivide the surfaces anyway, the frames can serve as a nice design feature. I would avoid using secondary glazing, as it often leads to problems. The only exception is if you do it like in the open-air museum village, where air exchange is ensured. If you shift the dew point, it still exists somewhere, and it’s not clear where the moisture will go. Please share an elevation view of the section with the glass blocks.
Best regards
Gabriele
Best regards
Gabriele
fach1werk schrieb:
The only exception is if it is done like in the open-air museum village, then proper air exchange is ensured. I’m completely lost on this.
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F
fach1werk14 Jul 2020 12:42Check with the heritage conservation authorities. I’ve seen fascinating solutions, for example at the Vogtsbauernhof and other open-air museums, in Tyrol, but basically anywhere old buildings were constructed with sufficient funding and where winters are quite cold. In some regions, there are even special solutions without any metal—great. What you can learn from them is what’s possible in terms of keeping the cold out without turning the inside into a dripping cave.
Still, I messed up: the glass blocks might be flush with a wall that’s too thin, leaving no space on one side at least. I don’t know any glass blocks worth all that effort. If I wanted to save money, I’d rather divide the surfaces myself nicely, hire a metalworker to produce powder-coated frames, get the glazing as ready-made insulated units directly from the glass manufacturer, and just install them.
Best regards
Gabriele
Still, I messed up: the glass blocks might be flush with a wall that’s too thin, leaving no space on one side at least. I don’t know any glass blocks worth all that effort. If I wanted to save money, I’d rather divide the surfaces myself nicely, hire a metalworker to produce powder-coated frames, get the glazing as ready-made insulated units directly from the glass manufacturer, and just install them.
Best regards
Gabriele
@hansvas
Good luck with your house,
you always have the option to do only what is absolutely necessary. Make the roof watertight, ensure downpipes, facade, and windows are sealed, and just heat it expensively (3,000–5,000€ per year should not scare you). A full energy renovation costing 100,000€ or more might never pay off.
I would spend a lot of money on renovations and also enjoy making smaller improvements step by step in my spare time as a long-term hobby.
Best regards, Nida
Good luck with your house,
you always have the option to do only what is absolutely necessary. Make the roof watertight, ensure downpipes, facade, and windows are sealed, and just heat it expensively (3,000–5,000€ per year should not scare you). A full energy renovation costing 100,000€ or more might never pay off.
I would spend a lot of money on renovations and also enjoy making smaller improvements step by step in my spare time as a long-term hobby.
Best regards, Nida
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