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Insulating Our Home

6/7/2022

43 Comments

 
We were finally wind and water tight, just in time for the new year. 

After our windows were in, Cal and I both took on winter jobs - doing some tree planting and seasonal picking to rebuild funds for the project. 

As winter became spring, we decided to divide an conquer - a strategy we would use for the whole summer, only again working on projects together in late Autumn. 

Cal had two main goals during this time. He was in charge of first-fix plumbing and electrics, as well as bringing in more income for the project. 

While he got underway with these tasks, it would be my job to insulate the house, lay flooring throughout, and plasterboard our walls, with the help of our incredible volunteers. 


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Cal beginning his first-fix wiring journey.
Insulating Our Home

As Cal got on with first fix plumbing and electrics, I made it my mission to insulate our home. This part of our project was key to our sustainable renovation’s success. Jameswood is an old Victorian home, and like 91% of the UK’s traditionally built, solid-walled homes - she has never had wall insulation (1) - and like 32% of all British homes, the building had such a small layer of loft insulation included, that by British standards, the home was considered to be uninsulated (1). 

For our home to be efficient, and ready for life in the 21st century, we were going to wrap the building in a continuous layer of insulation - under the floors, in the walls and of course, in the ceilings. But there were some factors we had to consider when choosing how to insulate this property. Traditionally built homes are made of solid stone walls, with an air gap between this, and the inner layer of lathe and plaster that encloses the living space. The stone walls are designed to get damp in rainy conditions, and with the help of ventilation blocks in the crawl space, air flow gaps in the eaves and the air gap between the outer and inner layer of the walls, the walls will breath and dry out in dry weather conditions. It’s essential that this process is unimpeded by the insulation we put in our home (2). 


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We also wanted to consider the environmental impact of the insulants we were putting into our building. Synthetic insulants such as Kingspan, and alike insulation boards have highly efficient insulating properties, but they are incredibly energy intensive to make, and it can take between 40-60 years for their energy savings to offset the initial embodied energy of the product (3).  ​

Taking these factors into account, we decided to use Sheep’s Wool insulation for the walls of home. This sustainable, renewable product has incredible moisture management properties, that will help our home breath. The Sheep’s wool can actually uptake large amounts of moisture in damp conditions, without reducing its insulating properties. It naturally releases this moisture as conditions dry. The material helps keep your living space comfortable and dry, as well as protect your timbers from moisture damage - elongating the lifespan of a building. It also has the ability to update and neutralise airborne chemicals in your home, such as formaldehyde, SO2 and NO2 - creating a healthy home for its occupants (4). 


Unfortunately, SheepWool insulation is expensive. In terms of costs, it is comparable to Kingspan - which has also become an expensive way of insulating a home, and is far more expensive that Glass wool insulation. We decided to be strategic about its use in our home, because we just didn’t have the cash to insulate our entire home in the material. 

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​Instead, we chose to use this material in our walls, where the insulation is directly adjacent to stone walls that have a tendency to get damp. 

​
In the roof space and under the floor, we used glasswool insulation, some of  which was salvaged from a friends renovation project. We used Kingspan sparingly - it was used around window and door reveals, where room was tight, and we needed a highly efficient, thin insulating material - for these, we managed to get second-hand boards for many of the spaces, and “seconds” - rejected boards with small defects, for the rest. ​
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A van-load of recycled insulation, reclaimed from a friends renovation.
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Us sittingt in front of our bay window, insulated in Kingspan, where space is tight.
With an insulation plan in place, I got to insulating! Working with the Sheep Wool insulation was a dream! It has a sweet grass smell to it, it was easy to cut and install, and it was safe to work with - no PPE required! 

Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said of our glass wool and Kingspan insulation. They were itchy and dusty to work with (always wear a proper face mask when working with this material!) and worming my way under the floor, and crawling around in the attic wasn’t the most fun job I’ve had to do in our renovation - but we quickly saw progress, and in no time at all, we had an insulated home! An exciting milestone for our project!


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Pinning up breathable membrane in the crawl space, to support our floor insulation.
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With an energy crisis AND and climate crisis in our midst, it’s increasingly important that we insulate our homes.

Putting wall insulation into a Victorian can be a bit tricky, and can require taking plaster down, reframing walls, and replastering large spaces. It’s not a practical solutions for everyone to tackle. However, there are some easy places to make your home more effiicient.


Check your loft - it should have about 300mm of insulation. If it doesn’t, topping up your insulation is a very quick, easy and inexpensive way of increasing the energy efficiency of your home. You could make savings that cover the cost of this upgrade in as little as a year (5)! 

If you’re taking up flooring while doing renovations, consider putting underfloor insulation in as well. This job could save up to 10-20% extra on your energy bills (6). 

Make sure your insulation creates a continuous envelope, with no gaps. A gap in your insulation can dramatically decrease its energy efficiency - it’s like putting on a jacket in the winter, but refusing to zip it up - you’ll get cold!

Check out your local government’s website for energy improvement grants. Right now, the Scottish government will cover the costs of putting insulation in your home! If you don’t own your home, make your landlord aware of these grants and ask that they make these important energy improvements.

​
1. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/970064/Detailed_Release_-_HEE_stats_18_Mar_2021_FINAL.pdf​

2. https://www.thepebbletrust.org/sustainablerenovation.asp

3.https://www.swinter.com/party-walls/choosing-insulation-for-carbon-value-why-more-is-not-always-better-part-1/

4. https://www.sheepwoolinsulation.com/

5. https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/saving-energy-home-heating-and-insulation

6. https://www.edfenergy.com/heating/advice/complete-guide-floor-insulation
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What Have We Dunoon Blog by Claire Segeren is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at whathavewedunoon.weebly.com.
43 Comments
Sheep Wool Insulation link
9/14/2023 08:35:23 pm

This is such a timely piece, considering the current events. Your balanced view on the matter is commendable, and I appreciate the effort you put into researching and writing this about insulating our home. Can't wait to share it with my friends.

Reply
Michigan Concrete Leveling link
10/3/2023 02:13:33 am

This article on home construction is a goldmine of knowledge! It brilliantly explains the intricate process of building a home from the ground up, making it accessible to everyone. Hats off to the author for simplifying such a complex subject

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Marble LDN link
2/24/2024 12:19:31 am

Great Post! You are sharing a wonderful post. Thanks and keep up the great work.

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5/31/2024 05:52:12 pm

Thank you for sharing such insightful information on insulating our homes! Your detailed explanations and practical tips are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to improve their home's energy efficiency and comfort. The step-by-step guidance makes it easy to understand the different insulation options and their benefits. This blog post not only helps in making informed decisions but also highlights the importance of insulation in reducing energy costs and environmental impact. Great job, and I look forward to implementing some of these strategies in my own home!

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ROOFER AREA link
8/26/2024 07:54:59 am

Thank you for sharing your approach to tackling seasonal projects! Dividing and conquering sounds like an efficient way to get things done. If you happen to need roofing services, feel free to visit our site.

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Chimney Repairs near me link
8/26/2024 08:11:54 am

Congratulations on getting wind and water tight just in time for the new year! That's a great achievement. If you happen to need roofing services, feel free to visit our site for expert assistance.

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8/26/2024 08:19:26 am

It must feel amazing to be wind and water tight before the new year! Well done. If you're ever in need of roofing services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Chimney Repairs near me link
9/18/2024 07:39:38 am

Thank you for sharing your winter renovation experience! It's impressive how you both took on extra work to fund your project. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Slate Roof link
9/18/2024 07:43:25 am

I appreciate the insight into how you managed your renovation funding during winter! Tree planting and seasonal picking sound like great ways to support your project. If you're ever in need of roof services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Roof Repair Faversham link
9/25/2024 07:43:01 am

Thank you for sharing your journey! It's inspiring how you both took on extra work to fund your project. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Flat Roofing Ashford link
9/25/2024 07:51:16 am

I admire your dedication to your project, taking on winter jobs to make it happen! If you're ever in need of roof services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Flat Roof Repairs link
9/25/2024 08:01:18 am

Thank you for sharing your seasonal strategy! Dividing and conquering sounds like an efficient way to tackle projects. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Roofers Near me link
9/25/2024 08:05:07 am

Great approach to managing projects through the seasons! It's inspiring to see how you planned it out. If you're ever in need of roof services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Roofer Contractor Smethwick, West Midlands link
10/4/2024 05:40:00 am

Thank you for sharing your journey! It’s inspiring how you took on extra jobs to fund your project. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Happy Ending Irvine link
10/21/2024 11:20:40 pm

Heello mate great blog post

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10/23/2024 10:09:35 pm

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Pitched Roof link
11/13/2024 07:21:25 am

Thank you for sharing this update! It must feel great to be wind and watertight before the new year. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Roofers Near me link
11/13/2024 07:22:29 am

Being wind and water tight is such a huge milestone—congratulations! If you're ever in need of roof services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Lead Flashing link
11/19/2024 06:50:43 am

Thank you for sharing this milestone! Being wind and water tight is such a great way to start the new year. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Chimney Repairs near me link
11/25/2024 07:18:36 am

Thank you for sharing your progress! It must feel great to be wind and water tight just in time for the new year. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Roof Repairs Ashford Kent link
11/25/2024 07:22:12 am

Congrats on getting everything sealed up just in time! Being wind and water tight is such an important milestone. If you're ever in need of roof services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Roof Repairs Near Me link
12/18/2024 04:54:21 am

Thank you for sharing your seasonal strategy! Dividing and conquering sounds like an efficient way to tackle projects. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

Reply
Pitched Roof link
12/23/2024 05:52:37 am

Thank you for sharing your seasonal project strategy! Dividing and conquering sounds like an efficient way to tackle tasks. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Lead Flashing link
12/23/2024 05:58:02 am

I love how you adapted your work approach through the seasons! It's inspiring to see such thoughtful planning. If you're ever in need of roof services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Flat Roof Repairs link
12/26/2024 11:21:46 pm

Thank you for sharing your story! It’s great to see how you both took on winter jobs to fund your project. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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New Roof Earley, Berkshire link
12/27/2024 12:59:44 am

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s inspiring to see how you both took on extra work to fund the project. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Miami Fireplace & Stoves link
1/1/2025 04:21:25 am


Thank you for sharing your incredible journey of renovating a Victorian home! It's inspiring to see the thought and care you've put into creating an efficient and sustainable living space. Your approach to insulation, particularly the use of Sheep’s Wool for its breathability and eco-friendliness, is commendable.

For those tackling similar renovation projects, it’s worth considering how fireplaces and chimneys play a role in maintaining an energy-efficient home. At our Chimney Service in Vancouver, WA, we often help homeowners integrate fireplaces that not only add charm and warmth but also complement their energy-saving goals.

Whether it’s a Fireplace Installation to create a cozy, efficient heating source, chimney repair to ensure safety and optimal performance, or browsing options at our Fireplace Store, we specialize in enhancing homes with sustainable and functional solutions. A well-maintained fireplace and chimney system can be a valuable addition to a home, reducing heating costs while adding aesthetic appeal.

If you’re ever in Vancouver, WA, or planning a similar project locally, feel free to reach out for expert advice on how fireplaces and chimneys can enhance your renovation efforts. Keep up the amazing work on Jameswood!

Reply
Slate Roof link
1/22/2025 06:54:02 am

Thank you for sharing your progress! Being wind and watertight sounds like a great way to start the year. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Roofing Companies Near Me link
1/24/2025 07:27:11 am

Thank you for sharing your seasonal strategy! Dividing and conquering sounds like a smart way to tackle projects efficiently. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Flat Roofing Croxley Green link
1/25/2025 06:33:50 am

Thank you for sharing your journey! It's inspiring how you both worked hard during winter to fund your project. If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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New Roof AREA, COUNTYDidcot, Oxfordshire link
1/25/2025 06:39:49 am

I admire your dedication to your project! Taking on winter jobs like tree planting is such a great idea. If you're ever in need of roof services, don't hesitate to check out our site.

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Flat Roof Repairs link
1/25/2025 06:44:23 am

Thank you for explaining how stone walls breathe and dry out—such a fascinating design! If you happen to need roof services, feel free to visit our site.

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Roof Repair Chinnor link
2/23/2025 05:41:13 am

Sounds like a solid strategy to tackle projects efficiently! Thank you for sharing. If you ever need roofing services, feel free to check out our site!

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Roof Repairs Chorleywood, Hertfordshire link
2/23/2025 05:47:32 am

Great approach to getting things done throughout the seasons! Appreciate the insight. If you’re ever in need of a reliable roofing service, don’t hesitate to visit our website!

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True Building Performance link
6/3/2025 07:39:58 am

Thanks for sharing your renovation journey—it’s inspiring to see the thoughtfulness and dedication you’ve put into making your Victorian home energy-efficient! We couldn’t agree more with your emphasis on sustainable insulation solutions and the importance of creating a breathable, healthy living environment.

At True Building Performance, we specialize in Albany insulation services, helping homeowners in Albany, NY, and beyond achieve the same energy-saving and comfort-boosting benefits you’re striving for. Our experienced insulation contractors are well-versed in handling traditional homes like yours, ensuring that every installation respects the building’s integrity and breathability—especially when dealing with solid stone walls and moisture considerations.

Whether it’s using natural materials like sheep’s wool or strategic placements of high-performance products, we’re committed to delivering tailored solutions that align with both energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. We also understand that budget constraints can be a challenge, and we’re here to help design insulation plans that make the most of every dollar, while ensuring that your home remains cozy and efficient all year round.

Keep up the great work on your project! If you ever need guidance or hands-on support with insulation in Albany, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at True Building Performance.

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