Hi, I have planning permission to build a front porch with external dimensions of 2400mm x 2100mm. I am not allowed anything larger. Building regs don't apply. It will be built out of block and then externally rendered. Now my question is should I build it single skin or build a standard cavity walled double skin with insulation? The reason I ask this, is that the internal area inside is quite significantly larger if built single skin. If double skin, the internal area of the porch is 3.24 square metres. If single skinned, the internal area of the porch will be 4.4 square metres. Am I being greedy? Will damp be a big problem? Is the extra area worth any disadvantages? What do you think? Cheers, Bobby
Will the extra space make a useful difference? That's only for you to decide - you know exactly what the dimensions are. This will, presumably, be an unheated porch? In which case insulation is largely immaterial. However, you will likely find you'll need to keep it ventilated to prevent condensation - warm, moist air will be coming from the house and will condense in there if not vented. A single block wall with external render should be watertight. If space is really important, I'd be tempted to go the single skin route and perhaps line the inside with Thermal Laminate Board - even the thinnest (around 35mm total thickness) will provide a useful level of insulation which should help make condensation less likely, but ventilation - if not heated - will still be necessary. You should also think about what the porch will be used for initially, and also any possible future change - if you think you might want it heated in future, then double skin with cavity insulation is surely best?
I will tell you what I think! You applied for planning. You put down the sizes. You make the decision. old un
Single skin block is ok for a garage or shed. For anything attached to the house it's got to be a cavity wall IMO.
seeing as render aint waterproof , either use a waterproof external coating, perhaps tile hung, rosemarys etc or double skin, i would double skin myself
Fully understood the question Mr totalsplurdy. Was asked what I thought, and I told him. Would suggest you take your nuts in both hands and read the two previous posts on this porch dated 15-4-10 and 19-4-10. Might make you look before you leap then sunshine, and make you keep your north and south shut before slagging people of who have previously tried to be helpfull. old un
For the guys who gave unsarcastic comments and help - thank you. The others....why be so argumentative? Is it difficult to just answer the question. Or not answer it at all? I guess some people just like to think they are above others. Think what you like if it makes you feel better. Sad really.
"I guess some people just like to think they are above others" Some are. "Think what you like if it makes you feel better." I will and it does. "Sad really." Yep, but it makes me happy.