I've decided I'm going to line the inside of the enclosed half of my observatory (the half that the roof doesn't roll off).
I'm planning on using HardiFlex and just tech screwing it on to the walls, adding some extra beams such that there's a beam at least every 400mm. I'm thinking of using 4.5mm thick HardiFlex but might have to go to 6mm thick to get 3m lengths (which would nicely do an entire wall length-ways.
I'm going to do the walls and the roof.
Not sure on insulation - the wall cavity will only be 40mm, so insulation bats aren't applicable (too thick) as far as I'm aware. Not sure what option would suit. The rather un-helpful person at Bunnings yesterday suggested this "AirCell" stuff which was extremely expensive - something like $78/m!
I figure I'll then paint the HardiFlex some lightish colour.
I don't think I'll complicate the issue with putting power in for lights etc, will stick to free-standing lights.
Anyone got any advice I should have before I start? This will be the largest DIY job I've done, perhaps on par with building the observatory to start with, but that was just a case of screwing in hundreds of tech screws. This requires less time but a few different bits of knowledge I'm only just learning.
Oh btw observatory is steel frame (40mm x 40mm square "patio tubing").
How about the roll out insulated sisilation that roofers use under an iron roof? You could unrol it and then just tech screw through the hardiplank and insulation in one go.
Roger you wont have any problem putting insulation wall bats in that space of 40mm, they compress very well and your insulation would be better.
My observatory is fully insulated roof, walls, etc,
Leon
G'Day,
By compressing them wouldn't that make them less insulating? after all it's the air inside the batts that also keep the heat and cold out,also if your going to use the fiber glass type,I'd give them a BIG miss,because of the glass,very bad for the lungs I'd stick to the aluminum foil as suggested earlier.
Cheers
Arthur
G'Day,
also if your going to use the fiber glass type,I'd give them a BIG miss,because of the glass,very bad for the lungs
Not to mention the dust it creates which goes into everything.
When I am doing my observatory I am only lining the bit I will be sitting in (Warm Room), the other part where the scope resides will remain as a tin shed. I will be adding a whirrly thing on the roof to remove the hot air during summer.
Roger you wont have any problem putting insulation wall bats in that space of 40mm, they compress very well and your insulation would be better.
My main concern with bats, even if they do compress enough, is that the pressure from compression would slowly (if not immdiately) make the walls not perfectly flat - the areas between beams where the bat is compressed would bulge out slightly, making the wall look un-eaven/un-professional.. not a problem you think?
Just unloaded these off the delivery truck.. that nearly killed me in its self and it was only carrying them 30m! I have my work cut out for me to line this observatory! ...
But it'll be good when it's done.
Steel is arriving from Midalia Steel on Tuesday for the extra wall struts. Before I start with all that I need to do some work sealing gaps around the edge of the observatory.
Just unloaded these off the delivery truck.. that nearly killed me in its self and it was only carrying them 30m! I have my work cut out for me to line this observatory! ...
But it'll be good when it's done.
Steel is arriving from Midalia Steel on Tuesday for the extra wall struts. Before I start with all that I need to do some work sealing gaps around the edge of the observatory.
Hmm.
G'day Roger,
It will be all worth it M8 it believe me,the linning will make a great difference
Cheers
Arthur
Hi Roger,
Years ago I insulated a double garage/temp dwelling with the sizzalation foil paper top to bottom and not long ago did the house roof with fibreglass batts..l must say the proper batts beat the foil anytime for insulating...I would go for that!. They are so easy to split down the middle for making 2 thin batts from 1 in a small cavity. Like you say make sure you don`t compress them or you will see it on your lining bowing out if its thin..make sure you wear googles and a paper mask but.....
Cheers
If you're concerned about the dust from batts..you might wrap them in cheap painters plastic drop sheet and tape them shut..And you can split them in half to suit..cut with scissors for the odd shapes..
I done my kitchen with pine linings a few years ago...I pre-coated them with clear acrylic...I found them light to work with and they do have an natural insulating factor..no worries about putting up shelving or pinning up charts etc..plus I just love the look of timber..I'd use the same on my (future) observatory..
Good luck with your project and don't forget the tea breaks!!
Cheers
I'd stick to the aluminum foil as suggested earlier. 
