Blog posts in December 2009 by tina

A lot of progress has been made in the past week and a half. All the internal insulation is now installed, there is a first coat of lime plaster on all surfaces, and a final coat on some areas. Insulation has also been added within the mini 'roof' space above our living room box bay window and an area of the living room ceiling which was in poor condition has been replastered.

In addition, we have had new wooden double-glazed sash windows installed in the box bay, as it made sense to do this in conjunction with insulating around the window area. Several years ago we had the rest of the sash windows replaced with modern double glazed ones, as they were not in great condition, draughty, prone to condensation etc. At that time we decided against replacing the ones in the bay, due to cost. However, we have had to resort to plastic film over the bay windows in winter to cut down draughts (despite having had them 'professionally' draught proofed) and reduce condensation - which would hardly be a good look in a supposedly eco-renovated property. So new windows it is! They do look very nice and that area of the room is much cosier than it was - even before the radiator has been replaced.

Today a man came and created new ceiling cornice to replace what had to be taken down to install the insulation. It looks very good. Another nice period detail which has been retained is a cutaway shape in the walls next to the bay window (see photo, which will explain this better than I can).

The main work remaining inside is to put on the final coat of lime plaster in most areas, put the radiators on, add, sand and seal the wooden floor on top of the existing hardboard and other finishing details. Outside, work has started on adding conventional external insulation to the bottom part of the wall, below the damp proof course, where eco-materials weren't suitable.

It certainly feels that we're nearing the end, and that by Christmas all of the major work will be complete.

Blog post by tina on Dec. 09, 2009 at 10:26 p.m.

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