Yes, windows and doors are gaps, although when considering wall insulation in the way I was I was only referring to the wall area. Basically I meant full insulation coverage is always greatly advantageous vs partial coverage. Properly addressing downlight holes with fire-retardant, insulated covers allowing insulation right up to the covers is the usual example of this.
Given the mild climate, I revise what I said - don't worry about it. I was assuming a cold climate as I live in one. My mistake. In a mild climate the conducted heat loss is far lower (total conduction = surface area x delta T x U-value, so as temperature difference between inside decreases so does total conduction).
FYI - when diagnosing this kind of thing, think in terms of the 3 kinds of heat transfer - conduction (major problem in cold climates), radiation (major problem in hot climates), convection (eliminate in cold, promote in hot). I say this because you mentioned sarking - sarking is only a radiant (and condensation) barrier and will do nothing for you with a conductive problem, for which bulk insulation (batts, loosefill, double-glazing, insulating window coverings, etc) are the only solution.
FYI II - I energy audit houses and teach home energy efficiency for a living.
Posted Friday 4 Aug 2017 @ 1:34:06 am from IP
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