Insulation/renovating a cupboard

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Feb 2, 2025.

  1. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Just a quick look, but I'd say that board is designed to be skimmed over with plaster or the joints at very least, it says tapered edges on the plaster board.
    But obviously unless you are doing a large area and butting up the boards that doesn't matter.
    I think its a good looking product.
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Sadly, polystyrene is a non-starter in a rented property. You and I know that it is perfectly usable in our own homes, however landlords are held to different standards and my understanding is that polystyrene (including the one that used to be available on a roll with the brand name 'Cortina') which is basically an under lining paper insulator, are not allowed.
       
    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      No issue joint taping and/or filling the joints smooth before applying a lining paper. It can't be more than 4ft wide, 5-6ft deep and no more than 8ft high (not even, I'd say); of course before ordering, I do need to measure properly.
       
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      • lizzie27

        lizzie27 Super Gardener

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        That does seem like a large cupboard, does it stick out into the bedroom?

        I might be inclined to take the doors off to make the bedroom look bigger, perhaps stick a chest of drawers or even a comfy chair with shelves above?
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          No, it goes from the bedroom over the top of the stairs - so juts out from the room rather than into it. I don't think it is just as wide as a chest of drawers, but admittedly I haven't measured it. Shelving in there will be more useful than anything though as Mrs C has a seemingly endless supply of lotions and potions... ;)
           
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          • Stephen Southwest

            Stephen Southwest Gardener

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            In terms of ventilation - does the cupboard run floor to ceiling? I'm wondering if you've thought of replacing shelves with slats, or drilling holes in shelves to help air flow?
             
          • Fat Controller

            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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            It does - with the loft above. Currently there is only one shelf, about 18-inches down from the ceiling and perhaps half the depth of the cupboard; the cupboard door itself does have louvre doors, which may be a bit of an attempt at ventilation. I do like the idea of drilling holes in shelves to promote airflow though - definitely one I hadn't considered.

            I did wonder if it might be an idea to fit one of those tubular heaters at the back (maybe a 60w one) and put it on a timer to be unplugged in summer - but then pondered if one so small may be somewhat 'farting against thunder'
             
          • Fat Controller

            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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            Thought I best update this, now that the job is more of less done.

            The end result is NOT perfect, not by a long chalk, nor was it ever really intended to be. The intention from the outset was to resolve a cold, mouldy and therefore pretty unusable cupboard...

            WhatsApp Image 2025-02-09 at 13.49.45_6ae7794c.jpg

            WhatsApp Image 2025-02-09 at 13.49.45_412e4817.jpg

            All the mould was treated/removed and the dehumidifier used for a while to dry things out and make sure that there wasn't a leak causing the problem. All good, as it rained during the drying out period and no water ingress.

            The outside walls and ceiling were fitted with insulated plasterboard (the difference was immediately apparent in there, temperature wise) and a light was fitted just above the door (so behind your head as you go in), a wee skirting fitted, shelves lobbed in and some carpet tiles to finish off.

            WhatsApp Image 2025-02-16 at 15.06.22_d168c728.jpg

            As I say, not perfect - there are some gaps that I need to fill at some stage and it could do with another coat of paint, but for now.. it is more than useable
             
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            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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