Heat loss survey/Recommend contractors

robbe

Hi,

Previously posted this more than a year ago but didn't get any response -
situation hasn't improved (funnily enough) and the recent cold weather has only served to highlight the issues....I have an rear extension which was built around 10 years ago (the extension is around 20 sqm and the room which adjoins is around 10 sqm so in total the entire 'room' is 30sqm). Floor was insulated under the concrete screed and the cavity wall construction had thick Kingspan insulated panels within the cavity. Roof was insulated via mineral wool. There are double doors and 4 windows to the rear which are double glazed and argon gas filled and 3 velux roof lights. My issue is the room tends to be much colder than others in the house, albeit the area is much bigger than the other rooms. It is heated via 2 large rads (gas heating) but if it's cold outside and they are turned off you feel the drop in temperature pretty quickly. I've sealed any obvious drafts but I wonder what my options would be to attempt to improve the situation without wasting money. I've previously seen advice on here to having rooms/houses assessed for heat loss to establish where issues might be - I'm based in North Dublin so if anyone could give a recommendation I would appreciate it. I do wonder where it typically goes from there and how much/little people have done to remedy after the heat loss survey. I have now started to consider potentially having the extension externally insulated but am not sure if this is relevant given there is already insulation in the cavity. Not sure if the vent is sealed properly around the extractor fan (for instance the presses which are each side of the extractor were bloody freezing) - I can't see anything obviously amiss but I'm not sure if a general contractor will see it either, hence my question as to what the best way to go about this is.

I'm tempted by some of the all in one providers who insulate and survey but am not sure if they would then push whatever is easiest for them to install on to me...any experiences would be welcomed.

Cheers

MicktheMan

Conduction heat loss (insulation or lack thereof) may not be the problem in your extension. Your best bet is to have a full heat loss survey done by an independent and experienced expert. By independent I mean someone who has no vested interest in selling insulation etc so I would rule out any all-in-one providers until you know exactly what the heat loss mechanism is, why it is happening, what will / won't fix the problem etc.
Then armed with the report and the experience of the survey, you will be much better informed when choosing and dealing with contractors etc on improvement works.
From my experience the feedback from clients is that when the main findings of the survey have been dealt with properly, the improvements in heat retention and comfort is remarkable.
If you are having difficulty in finding a specialist surveyor, send me a pm for a recommendation.

inigo

Hi robbe,

Did you get the heat loss survey done?

Any recommendations for a specialist in South Dublin/North Wicklow please?

thespecialon

inigo wrote: »

Hi robbe,

Did you get the heat loss survey done?

Any recommendations for a specialist in South Dublin/North Wicklow please?

Sorry to hijack, but if anyone has any recommendations for Kerry..I'd like someone independent and get some sort of a report and recommendations etc feel free to pm

abbey

Anyone able to recommend an independent operator who would do a heat loss survey in the Meath area? Thanks