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Plaster board older terraced properties, air leakage test.

Anonymous user 01/03/2024 - 2.38 PM

Q Plaster boarding old terraced house external walls I live in a terraced house, which has been "refurbished". I have spoken to the architect who has insisted this is "good practice" and i fully agree that, on paper, it is much better with the insulated boards fitted. During the work, all the old lime plaster was removed to bare brick work. Back in the day, the bricklayers didnt worry to much about filling all the joints because the plasterer would fill it so behind the boards is very draughty and cold, hence any hole will cause a draught, under skirtings,sockets and switches ect.All cold air is directed under floors. The cavity hasnt been closed at windows and the cheeks have only 12mm uninsulated boards. All the cold air is then directed through any gap. The boards are on galvanised rails dabbed to the brickwork with bonding. I have asked for an air test/thermographic but they have insisted it is not required. In my opinion it is required where 5 or more properties are refurbished. The houses are of traditional construction circa 1900, stone faced with small cavity then rough brickwork. How can this, although meeting building regs on paper be so much colder than a comporable uninsulated property and costing around eighty pounds a month to heat, without even maintaining 21 degrees in main living area and 18 elsewhere. Its only 2 up 2 down. Any comments would be welcome as i am up against a brick wall so to speak as i am not RICS,therefore they will not even talk to me. Thank you very much MR Gannon External walls are insulated via 12 mm polystyrene backed boards, apart from window cheeks and heads (not a separate sheet) No vapour check fitted, galvanised rails bonded to brickwork with board adhesive. The cavity between external skin stone and internal skin is rough brickwork and lime motor. Closing the cavity at window/door openings and insulating inside the cheeks/reveals/window boards would go some way im sure. MR Gannon, if you could direct me to some good practice or regulation i can quote it would be great. I am up against a wall as regards advice due to trying to argue against quoted figures, sap ratings and epc. As all materials are bba i am trying to argue "fit for purpose" "good practice" and of course good old poor workmanship. The flooring is old board with in many places no tounge on the boards. I realise you are probably a very very busy man, but if you could help me argue my point i would be extremely grateful. It has become a point of principal, and i really HAVE TO prove things on paper. I think "polished turds" is appropriate" but all the architect does is quote irrelevant u values to individual items in response to my queries. Refurbishment is supposed to improve the thermal properties, not decrease via air leakage. Thank you for your comment MR Gannon >