Insulation with Sempatap *LINK*

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used this product in a listed building and does it work? I'm intending to use it on a sloping plasterboard ceilings which I have that have little/no insulation between then and the tiles on the outside, to try and keep some heat inside the house - we have no "lofts". Unfortunatley my local CO is keen to remove the double glazing from the house - a 2* listed property so I have to try something to reduce energy use. (He seems disinterested in this "listed buildings don't need to comply with building regs" -true - but misses the point.) Any feedback would be helpful.



http://www.mcgltd.co.uk

 

[Anonymous]

I can't help you with Sempatap (by the way, your link doesn't work - the correct URL is http://www.mgcltd.co.uk), but on the question of double glazing, do you mean that your CO won't allow window frames designed to accept sealed unit double glazing? This appears to be the case in most listed buildings, due to the unacceptably thick glazing bars required. But - speaking from my own experience - they will often allow sensitively designed secondary glazing to be installed. I should add that our listing is a humble GII not GII*, so this may make a difference.


http://www.mgcltd.co.uk

 

[Anonymous]

By the way sempatap is recommended by the Energy saving trust - are they reliable?

We have inherited 15 yr old metal/pvc!! windows in an 800 year old building which the previous owners installed w/o LBC because of contined hassles/battles they had with the CO. (Doesn't that sound familiar?- just do it and they won't notice). So we could in theory do anything - with LBC. I'm keen on hardwood (oak) frame with double glazed units inside. Any one know of good producers of these in the midlands/home counties?
We may be able to persuade the CO if we get someting sympathetic.

 

[Anonymous]

I've just had a quick look round the website of Mould Growth Consultants Ltd. Now I'm sure they are a wonderful firm producing wonderful products at excellent prices,
but,
I was amused by the stuff they describe as: "A unique blend of vinyl and acrylic resins, formulated in an aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon base". I call that 'paint'. They say it has a "Five Year life expectancy". I call that not very good paint.
And then there's the masonry coating with "UP TO 15 YEARS LIFE EXPECTANCY" (their shouting). Does that mean it might not last long and will definately all have fallen off in 15 years.

However this is better:
"Mould in the home arises from dampness, predominantly caused by CONDENSATION. However, a small proportion of problems occur due to true dampness - rising damp, penetrating damp, bursts and leaks. The incidence if condensation in domestic dwellings has increased tenfold in the last decade and is attributable to various factors - lack of heating - inadequate ventilation - use of paraffin and LPG heaters. The modernisation of properties, making homes virtually airtight and draught free with new windows and the removal of open fires, is an additional contributory factor."

Shame about the solution: "MGC Mould Treatments, Fungicidal Paint/Paste Additives and Fungicidal Paints and Coatings". i.e. Poison.

Interesting reading on the Energy Efficiency page where I learned that: "hypothermia is one of the most deadly cold induced diseases and, if not prevented, caught and treated early, can lead to a rapid decline in the body’s ability to function normally", but the wall with "U-value with SEMPATAP = 1/0.634 = 1.58 W/m²K" is somewhat underwhelming. I think there may be more effective cures for hypothermia.

 

[Anonymous]

800 year old building? Wow! Did they have windows then. I could do you an oak frame with a bit of oiled goatskin stretched across it. Seriously though, do get in touch. This looks an interesting case.
biff@biffvernon.freeserve.co.uk

 

[Anonymous]

Hypothermia is a disease, eh? Is it caused by a virus or a bacterium, I wonder?

Or could it be simply a *condition*, brought about by cold?

Pedantry is alive and well.

 

[Anonymous]

"So we could in theory do anything - with LBC"

Careful, Charles - when you bought the house you also bought the liability to have to rectify any non-LBC work that the CO decides he wants rectified.

 

[Anonymous]

Charles, I have some experience with Sempatap having fitted it into many housing association properties. (not my choice I should add - I just followed instructions in those days)

The actual insulation value of the material is negligible and I don't think it is the right product for you. Its main use is really to raise the surface temperature very slightly in order to try and reduce the incidence of surface condensation.

What are your ceilings made of? are they lath and plaster or have they been replaced?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. Funny that the Energy Saving Assoc approves Sempatap then! Makes you wonder about their advice.

Yes we have plasterboard on the sloping ceilings above 18thC(?) roof beams & trusses exposed (which are not load bearing I believe). But it does leave no real room to insert insulation behind ( without losing the airflow) between the plasterboard and tiles/ battens above. We want the beams to remain exposed really for aesthetic reasons. Hence the need for an internal layer of something of up to an inch thick which is unnoticeable. Putting a thin (2-3 inch) thermal plasterboard is a possibility but I wonder if it would make much difference and given the cost... I haven't seen many products that give me much confidence so far.
My problem can't be unique can it?

 

[Anonymous]

I have searched the internet but have been unable to find who supplies sempatap does anyone have a contact telephone number Thanks Pat.

 

[Anonymous]

Mould Growth Consultants Ltd



Sempatap