Retrofit | Insulation
Insulation added as part of a retrofit is designed to reduce heat loss from a building. It can be applied to roofs, walls and floors in the form of heat-trapping materials, such as natural or artificial fleece-like materials in a loft. Depending on the age of a property and the existing fabric, different options may be appropriate, so it is always worth seeking advice. In new builds today, insulation is used in conjunction with a vapour membrane to trap warm air and avoid condensation, but in older properties being retrofitted, it is often advisable to avoid a vapour membrane and use breathable insulation materials, to avoid condensation issues amongst old structures. In all cases, seek advice.
Top 10 tips for insulation
1. Insulating your home reduces heat loss, bills, and carbon footprint, while improving comfort levels.
2. Keep up with general maintenance. Wet walls and poorly maintained mortar will increase your heat loss.
3. Insulating lofts and cavity walls offers great payback.
4. Wall and floor insulation, when possible, offer significant benefits.
5. Older buildings like to breathe, so care is needed in the choice of materials and methods.
6. Don’t forget simple measures to reduce draughts (brushes on sash windows, weather strips for doors).
7. Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) helps prevent condensation problems.
8. Natural materials will have reduced environmental impact.
9. Phase the work. Include retrofit in routine planned upgrades (e.g. new kitchens).
10. Seek advice from local architects and specialists in retrofit. Energy Saving Trust, Severn Wye Energy Agency, the Association of Environmentally Conscious Builders, provide useful resources. The PAS 2035 standard for Retrofit Assessors will be increasingly important.
Above: A Stroud District Council project where external wall insulation, new windows and roofs, are being retrofitted to council housing to improve comfort and reduce heating bills, and doing their bit for the planet at the same time. Thanks to Cllr Natalie Bennett for her time in presenting this local council-led project. There are 64 non-traditional council properties, plus the local shop, being retrofitted in this Lawnside project in Nailsworth.
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