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Hi everyone, This covered in area is on the back of the house that ive just purchased. I think the windows are maybe acrylic some have gone cloudy and cracked. There are gaps between walls ceilings etc that let in a ton of bugs. Wanting to make it a more usable livable area, plan initially is will be main internal catio space. At the min it's like a hot box in main part of the day and i suspect will be really cold in winter.. I was wondering if I could fill the gaps with something like expanding foam and then add some kind of insulation sandwiched between the colourbond and added timber panels to create internal walls and ceiling. Seeking advice on best way to achieve my aims. Size of area is 10m x 3m in main part. Thanks Mel
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @memmymooch. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about insulating a patio.
You can use expanding foam to seal the gaps between the roofing and the wall. Just be mindful not to over-apply it, as it expands quite a lot and could cause some distortion if used excessively. It's a good option for keeping out bugs and reducing airflow.
As for insulation, it’s important to keep in mind that your roof structure was likely only designed to support the weight of the roofing sheets. That means any added insulation needs to be lightweight. A good option to consider is Foilboard, a rigid insulation panel that can be adhered directly to the underside of the roof sheets.
If you're planning to then clad the ceiling over the insulation with timber or other materials, you’ll need to ensure that the existing roof structure is strong enough to support the added weight. In that case, I’d strongly recommend consulting a professional to assess and possibly reinforce the structure.
Also, you might like to browse through the many other discussions on the Workshop community around insulating patios—there's a wealth of inspiration and advice shared by members who’ve taken on similar projects.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Note for our New Zealand members: Please be aware that the use of foil-based insulation in home construction is prohibited in New Zealand.
