insulating 1970s house

[joekinguk]

Does anyone know if it is possible to insulate the walls of a house of timber framed construction of a type
known as K-Lath outer leaf with render externally? K-Lath houses are constructed from a timber frame with a wire
mesh which has been rendered externally and the walls dry lined internally.

[ik9000]

It's possible to insulate anything. The question is how. Do you mean cavity wall insulation? Depends on the construction. I would get an architect to look into this for you. Adding insulation is fine, but - it changes the dew point of the wall. Get it wrong and the moisture build-up in the wrong place can lead to damp problems. Also beware bridging cavities for the same reason. An architect will be able to inspect the wall via an endoscope etc and do the necessary calculations to advise you further. It may be he wants the opinion of a structural engineer too depending on the exact kind of construction.

Also talk to your insurers before undertaking any work. They may be able to advise on acceptable methods/approved installers and save you a potential headache in the future if problems arise and you didn't advise them of the works.

[Domestic_Ginger]

You would be best off talking to someone at an insulating company as to whether they can do it or not. I'd imagine they woull dinsulate anything they could drill into.

My concern would be the lack of airflow and possible moisture in a very 'woody' wall. I'm not completely familar with the construction so I'm not remotely qualified to offer advice!

[PK71]

Should be possible, maybe worth talking to your utility provider, the have shed loads of cash to help with the cost for this sort of thing.

[joekinguk]

Thanks everyone (can't find the button that add thanks per post!).

The moisture issue does concern me. Are their alternatives to cavity insulation that I should consider?

Current energy rating is G (!) so trying to improve things!

[ik9000]

Thanks everyone (can't find the button that add thanks per post!).

The moisture issue does concern me. Are their alternatives to cavity insulation that I should consider?

Current energy rating is G (!) so trying to improve things!

Cavity insulation, loft insulation, below slab insulation (difficult to retrofit without taking the floor slab up) and double/triple glazing, replacing the boiler, energy efficient lighting eg LEDs air source heat pumps, er.

Thanks thing comes after 20 posts I think.

The moisture thing can be handled, but get someone who knows what they're doing to assess it first. Someone independent. An insulation company has a vested interest in selling you a product, not on necessarily checking whether it is most appropriate.