Warming up a victorian house

[lily]

Facing another chilly winter we're thinking of various methods of being a bit warmer this year. Does anyone have any experience of underfloor insualtion- ie something under the floor boards between the joists? All ideas welcome, we don't have any cavity or loft to insulate, double glazing would be very expensive , so we don't seem to have too many options.

[Sandra]

Lily - You're brave if you're thinking of taking up your floorboards! Still, if you really are going along this line, I can tell you that we had underfloor insulation installed between the joists supporting the floor of our new extension. In fact, I think this was a building regs requirement. Although I was disappointed not to be able to install a new chimney at the same time, the room is still quite warm and, although large, can be quite comfortable during the winter, with just the one radiator and the heat from the wood-burners in the two adjacent rooms. I don't know if this is solely down to the underfloor insulation, as the walls and ceiling were also well padded out but, overall, it's a warmer room than expected. Had you thought about installing a multi-burner in one of your old fireplaces? If they're still there of course. The radiant heat from these is good and there are times when we can't bear to have the c/heating on when they're alight, it's so warm.

[Redstart]

Underfloor insulation between the joists will make a difference as there'll be no cold coming through the floor.

[lily]

Thank you both. Have now put down a few extra rugs- husband is reluctant to start uplifting floorboards (lacks spirit of adventure). We have a coal fire in one reception room but a coal effect "cheats fire" in the chilly room. Will look into upgrading this. If all else fails wil buy more jumpers.

[sheddie]

My OH who is a retired carpenter says you need to have a flow of air beneath the floorboards to stop rot. Have you considered a lot of cold comes through the windows if you have an expanse of glass and under doors, how about some door curtains, I have them and OH has just sorted our windows without the expense of double glazing, if you're interested to know I will ask him how you can do this. it has made the rooms so much warmer instantly.

[lily]

Have just seen your post Sheddie, we have ordered one new window- the worst of the draught letter- inners, so will improve things. I think the point about the air flow is a good one- will leave underfloor alone At the moment we have one big through room- the house was modernised in 1930!, we're considering big doube doors to divide up the space which would solve the fireplace problem + make things more snug in the winter.

[Katelb]

Hi Lily,I note from your last post that you have perhaps had second thoughts about under-floor heating which is probably a good thing bearing in mind what sheddie has said in her post.Also,my daughter has under-floor heating in their new /old home and when they tried to get insurance for the boiler and heating system,no one would insure them;they would insure the boiler but not the heating system and it usually comes as a package.Nevertheless,it is lovely and warm when you go into the house,but perhaps other methods might be more acceptable.