Replacing wooden boards, and want to improve insulation Information, help, tips and advice on cavity walls, ceilings and lofts etc....

[Bob2412]

Hi, my house have these wooden boards on the back of the house (see image), and behind it is a wooden frame. (No brick, just wooden frame that forms the wall, which is unusual to me....)

The wood is rotting, and there is a breeze coming through into kitchen. The frame seems to have some insulation in it, and then it seems to be wood panels behind it, and then plaster on the inside....

Just want to seek advice of the best way to improve this..

I was thinking to remove panels, fit into the framework something like celotex as deep as the frame to insulate it. Then fit new panel planks (probably PVC for durability etc)

Would this work? I feel, i need to also add a vapor barrier.....recently had a 'warm roof' garage roof fitted...which had boarding, vapor barrier, then insulation.... Would this apply to what i propose here?

[stoneyboy]

Hi bob2412,
Always difficult with single skin walls, fill voids with celotex as you propose. If you want to add a vapour barrier you’d need to strip off the internal plasterboard. You could try counterbattening the outside so there is ventilation directly behind the cladding and forget vapour barrier. The battens only need to be 5mm.
Regards S

[Bob2412]

Sorry for late reply, and thank you for the reply.

What exactly is counter battening? Is this a strip of batton to create gap between celotex/framework and the cladding on the outside?

[stoneyboy]

Hi bob2412,
Yes the idea is to create a narrow gap so that any condensation can escape. You could fit grilles at high and low level to assist ventilation.
Regards S