Hi there, I have been reading, with interest the posts regarding the coldness of the temperatures at this time of year, and the solutions that people employ, to keep themselves warm. By the time I move over, I think the cold weather will be over for this year, however I am trying to come up with ways of dealing with it when the temperatures fall again.
I have a traditional log and bamboo roof, which does need some attention to make it waterproof as far as possible. I have been told that it will be a problem regarding insulation, both in the summer and the winter. I am trying to find a way to insulate it, while keeping it's essential character. I did think about plastering in the bamboo slats, whilst keeping the logs exposed, however I am expecting the estimate for that work to be more than I can afford. So I am looking at ways I could do this myself, and I would be very grateful if anyone who has been through this process could give me some ideas. My best idea, so far (I think) is to use strips of rock wool cut to size, to fill in the spaces between the log, joists, and then cover the rock wool strips with some sort of natural fibre matting, again cut to size and wedged into place with bamboo or wire, or even stapled into the poles. The old bamboo blind material, cut to size would be perfect, or something similar. It would keep the rockwool fairly tight to the bamboo slats, while allowing the whole structure to breath. I know it sounds a bit 'Blue Peter' but I really think it could work, and look good. My question is, does anyone know of a natural fibre matting material that I could use. I have seen something that people use to cover their roof terraces, possibly to filter the suns rays, that would do a treat. Anyone know what I mean. I would be most grateful for some ideas.

they sell the Rockwell stuff at leroy merlin and the bamboo stuff. What you need to watch out for is the bugs that might be in it, you need to get some stuff that kills the bugs.

The problem with plastering over the bamboo slats is that they move with vibration and changes in temperature, so any plaster covering is liable to crack.

Hi gallerie9, I have woodworm in the joists as well, and that is one of my priorities when it comes to work to be done before I move in. I am intending to go to Leroy Merlin when I come over next to look at window and door replacements, and whatever else they sell, will look for insulation stuff too.The bamboo you mention, is it on a roll, or just separate lengths? I'm thinking of those blinds, that are made of matchstick thin legths of bamboo woven together at each end with jute, or some kind of natural fibre?

I have decided to leave the idea of plastering for now, and look at other more flexible, and breathable solutions. Also those that will keep the insects out. At the moment I can see daylight through in places, and can see that a host of critters are liable to take up residency, if I don't sort it as soon as possible. Has anyone else employed any method of insulation that has been successful, and maintained the essential look?

Ok my other half says what is the woodworm like have you got orange powder on the outside where the holes are ?
We had all the roof beams in our house replaced.
We kept some of the floor beams that were good, but all were treated with diesel, and then a product called Xyadall or something like that.
The stuff in leyroy is on a role and it is the stuff that is on the ceilings now.
We do not have that on ours we have the old arab bricks and they look good.
My other half is using something called Perlite on the area of the house that we have had concrete beams, the terrace area and over my studio and the garage, that has lots of good properties and is creating a insulation . We had the bamboo in one area but the beams were rotten so it all was taken down in that area and the bugs were every where.
Our house is 500 years old though so It really did need replacing LOL
My other half is very knowledgeable in the art of the arab house now, had had to learn quick.
Good luck with the roof
regards

Hi, First point, Leroy Merlin's is a very expensive way to buy basic materials, if you are doing a major reform you would be advised to check out your local builders merchants and see what deal you can negotiate. Then use Leroy's to suss out what you need, check the specs,what it is called in spanish, as a price guide, then go and negotiate with the merchant, they usually come up with a good deal.
Secondly dont be conned into not paying IVA, I would recommend that you insist on an IVA factura. Then if any of the goods are faulty you have proof of purchase!! (Can be important), I also have been told but dont know as fact,perhaps someone else can advise, that a % of costs on a reform can be laid off agains tax if and when you sell the property.
and finally, I had the same problem with my house (a major reform), I unfortunately did not have the knowledge then I have now, but I have successfully retrofitted insulating plasterboard with the foam back, under the roof bardots between the beams and that has made a tremendous difference in the heat retention in the house. Basically I cut it to fit, and and using cola dabbed it to the underside of the bardots, then fitted quadrant to the beams to ensure it held in place,. looks good and is a permanent fix!! NB should you fit any insulation it is important not to leave a space between it and the underroof. All woods shouldbe treated prior to sealing (I generally use a product called Fundo).

If you're intending to retrofit insulation between the rafters/roof beams of a pitched roof, then you're creating what's called a "warm roof". Unless the roof covering is vapour permeable (which in Spain it's highly unlikely to be unless you keep your "daylight" holes!) you must always allow a gap (50mm min) between the cold (roof) side of the insulation and the underside of the roof and provide ventilation (eg airbricks) in the gable end walls at apex level or at eaves level, preferably both. Otherwise you have no ventilation, resulting in condensation damage and also "thermal bridging" (heat loss). On the warm (living accommodation) side of the insulation you should have a vapour barrier.
If your tiling underlay is vapour permeable, the insulation can be fixed against it.

HI
We didnt use Leroy Merlin we used the local builders merchant and the materials were very reasonable.
We have restored it as it was as the house is listed and it was part of the regulations we followed. The house is 500 years old, and I didnt want to cover up the bricks as they are hand made and wonderful colours, due to the places they were when fired.
But the materials that Brenda asked about I saw in Leyroy Merlin the other day when we were looking at the sales, we have a Brico Depot by us and they are cheaper.
But for basic building materials tiles and even paint I agree the local place is the best we are on first name terms with ours and my other half drinks with him in the local bar. I would class them as our friends, his wife is wonderful and she has helped me with spanish, she runs the little shop in our street and our house was her grandmothers.
Get to know the local place Brenda they are the best place to go.
How big is the place where you are going to live ?
Our village / town is about 10.000 ppl and believe it or not most know who we are LOL.
And all about our house and the reform, we have had ppl come to take pictures of our door that was uncovered during the restoration and during the summer we had lots off ppl come to look at what once was there family home from all over spain.
One of our amigos it was her mothers home cried when she saw how we were putting it back to the original spec, her words were " It has taken foreigners to put my family home back and I thank you " it brought me to tears.
I am babbling again
Have fun Brenda and enjoy your new home

Brenda the fibre matting you mention could be the stuff called Brezo....not sure if I have the spelling correct.
We were looking for roll down blinds for the patio to keep the wind out, and I wanted the natural stuff as it looks so elegant, even on smart town houses in Seville. I managed to find a shop in Chiclana that had them made to size, a strange place that looked like a large Poundstretcher, but the price was exorbitant. I was then told that they had a short life and were easily damaged by the rain. So as soon as the budget allows I am afraid it is the best plastic or canvas we can afford.

Hi there, and thanks for all the replies, and information.It's looking very much like I'll be able to find the materials I need, and won't be starting it until I move, so will have plenty of opportunity to check prices etc. What I will do is get the woodworm sorted out asap, as far as I could see there was only a little patch visible. Do the treatments recommended, deal with the part of the beam that is inaccessible, or will the tiles have to come off? The house is about fifty years old, and seems quite solid structurally. I think that I'll try and keep the roof structure air permeable, unless I'm advised otherwise. If necessary improve the weatherproofing from the outside.
There are about 21,000ppl in Alhaurin. When I was down to sign the deeds last week, I met one of my neighbours. I introduced myself in my very basic Spanish, and said that I was coming over to live, later on in the year. He was really lovely, shook my hand, and pointed to where his house was, seemed very enthusiastic. Made me feel quite at home.
Thanks again everyone.