Month: November 2009

  • Insulation ~ Phenolic foam

    Phenolic foam insulation is made by combining phenol-formaldehyde resin (note the presence of formaldehyde, a hazardous chemical and known carcinogen), a foaming agent and a hardener. When all three are mixed an exothermic reaction causes foaming followed by rapid setting. Description Usually now available as rigid boards or panels sometimes as a backing to plaster…

  • Insulation ~ Glass Fibre

    Similar to mineral wool insulation, glass fibre is one of the most common forms of insulation in the UK – everyone knows that rough, itchy, scratchy feel of glass fibre much beloved in our drafty attics. Whilst it has been installed in many homes for at least of couple of decades, this has not usually…

  • Living room windows

    Picture with measurements of both of the living room windows – one photo two sets of measurements. Only where the two windows vary are both measurements given. Just for the record the picture is of the left side window (I think!) Click on the picture for a larger version hosted by Picasa.

  • Bedroom hayloft door

    Picture with measurements of the hay loft window in the bedroom window. Click on the picture for a larger version hosted by Picasa.

  • Building Progress ~ October 2009

    Ah, October – seems like a long time ago now… I’ve stalled in finishing treating the untreated oak stairs and banisters the banisters along the landing have all been whitened & waxed, but the stairs themselves along with the banisters still need finishing. I managed (mistakenly) to wax one of the posts before whitening it…