I've got a 70s built flat with:

a) Flat concrete roof
b) 10 inch thick brick-faced outside walls. I don't know if they are
cavity-wall, brick facing on concrete, or solid brick
c) Double glazing

Are there any reasonable options for improving the insulation?

For example, would there be any benefit in applying a one or two inch
layer of Celotex on the interior ceiling? Would that potentially cause
a condensation problem between the Celotex and the existing ceiling?

Similarly, what about applying a layer of Celotex on the inside of the
exterior walls?

Are there any exterior insulating cladding systems I could try and
persuade the freeholder to fit, even if at my cost?

Would triple glazing be a better first option?

Thanks,

Sid

On 29/11/2007 18:08, wrote:

I've got a 70s built flat with:

On 29/11/2007 18:21, wrote:

I've got a 70s built flat with:

If you post via google groups, and then can't see your own posting a few
minutes later, best not to assume it's gone missing and re-post, it
usually turns up eventually (twice!)

On 29 Nov, 18:30, Andy Burns wrote:
On 29/11/2007 18:08, wrote:

I've got a 70s built flat with:

On 29/11/2007 18:21, wrote:

I've got a 70s built flat with:

If you post via google groups, and then can't see your own posting a few
minutes later, best not to assume it's gone missing and re-post, it
usually turns up eventually (twice!)

That, I knew. Unfortunately, I hit refresh on the post-posting screen
by accident, Firefox 2.0.0.10 didn't ask me if I wanted to re-post the
forms data, and bingo, we all got the second posting. Sorry about
that. I get irritated by duplicate posts as well. Thank-you for the
well intentioned advice 'though.

In partial answer to my own questions, having read some of the Celotex
site, Celotex claim to have a product that can be laid on the exterior
of a flat roof, and as the roof needs re-sealing this year anyway, I
might be able to persuade the landlord to look at that option.
Unfortunately, the roof is 'trafficed', which makes life awkward (and
more expensive). I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that flat roofs
are great in theory, but don't work out well in practice - at least in
the British climate. Several of my neighbours flats have particularly
nasty roof leaks which the landlord has been completely ineffectual
about. The problem seems to be that the water gets in at one point,
travels several yards under the asphalt/bitumen/felt and exits at a
convenient weak spot in a bedroom ceiling, making it very difficult to
work out where the water ingress is actually occurring and perform
remedial action.

Cheers,

Sid

wrote:
On 29 Nov, 18:30, Andy Burns wrote:
On 29/11/2007 18:08, wrote:

I've got a 70s built flat with:

In partial answer to my own questions, having read some of the Celotex
site, Celotex claim to have a product that can be laid on the exterior
of a flat roof, and as the roof needs re-sealing this year anyway, I
might be able to persuade the landlord to look at that option.
Unfortunately, the roof is 'trafficed', which makes life awkward (and
more expensive). I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that flat roofs
are great in theory, but don't work out well in practice - at least in
the British climate. Several of my neighbours flats have particularly
nasty roof leaks which the landlord has been completely ineffectual
about. The problem seems to be that the water gets in at one point,
travels several yards under the asphalt/bitumen/felt and exits at a
convenient weak spot in a bedroom ceiling, making it very difficult to
work out where the water ingress is actually occurring and perform
remedial action.

Cheers,

Sid

Double/triple glazing generally takes a long time to pay for itself
unless the windows are huge. Better to line the curtains with insulating
lining. Sounds like the roof/ceiling isn't an option either. Which just
leaves the walls and floor, assuming you have draught-proofed. Carpet
does insulate. You can get wall panels that provide quite good
insulation. Downside is that they are difficult to fit shelves or
cupboards to, and of course they make the room a bit smaller. Its worth
checking that the wall doesn't have a cavity. Filling this would be the
easiest and most cost effective method. Also look at your boiler. If its
getting on in years you could save a lot by installing a new one that
condenses the flue vapour.

Good luck

Peter Scott