Energy conservation is a practice that Britannia Preservation’s team is fully committed to. We are committed to the environment and filter this commitment down throughout our work procedures, whether it is implementing a paperless office (as far as this is practicable) or endorsing a recycling policy in the office as well as on site.
We know our clients are concerned about their carbon footprint and want to take action to mitigate the effect they have on the planet’s resources. One of the things that can be done to conserve energy is wall insulation.
While new properties have insulation fitted as standard, many older properties do not. However, this is a concern to house buyers because a lot of heat and warmth is lost through solid walls, making them inefficient and extremely difficult to keep warm. Older properties are often considered difficult to insulate because they have solid walls, unlike the cavity walls of more modern properties.
Many older properties are already in the process of being upgraded, whether this is new central heating systems, loft insulation or even double glazed uPVC windows. Perhaps you have acquired an old terraced house with original fireplaces that have been boarded up, with flues sealed or even removed entirely? Add draught proofing to this scenario and you have a living space that contains massive quantities of warm moist air, which is released as condensation on the non-insulated solid walls.
Energy conservation is a practice that Britannia Preservation’s team is fully committed to. We are committed to the environment and filter this commitment down throughout our work procedures, whether it is implementing a paperless office (as far as this is practicable) or endorsing a recycling policy in the office as well as on site.
We know our clients are concerned about their carbon footprint and want to take action to mitigate the effect they have on the planet’s resources. One of the things that can be done to conserve energy is wall insulation.
While new properties have insulation fitted as standard, many older properties do not. However, this is a concern to house buyers because a lot of heat and warmth is lost through solid walls, making them inefficient and extremely difficult to keep warm. Older properties are often considered difficult to insulate because they have solid walls, unlike the cavity walls of more modern properties.
Many older properties are already in the process of being upgraded, whether this is new central heating systems, loft insulation or even double glazed uPVC windows. Perhaps you have acquired an old terraced house with original fireplaces that have been boarded up, with flues sealed or even removed entirely? Add draught proofing to this scenario and you have a living space that contains massive quantities of warm moist air, which is released as condensation on the non-insulated solid walls.
It is not all bad news though! Solid walls can be upgraded quickly and easily to make them more thermally efficient. There are two methods which can be used to insulate solid wall constructions:
1) Internal insulation – can be done on a room by room basis so it need not be carried out all in one go.
2) External insulation – needs to be installed one wall at a time, but greatly improves the overall efficiency of your home.
Rigid insulation has been installed on the internal side of this wall to the requisite thickness advised by British Standards. |
The insulation is overlaid with a vapour control layer and plasterboards, which are given a top coat of plaster ready for decoration. |
It is essential that any dampness affecting a wall is assessed and dealt with before a lining system is installed. Window and external door openings must be carefully examined, as installation of insulation to the main face of a wall with these particular openings can potentially lead to damp and mould growth affecting these areas. In addition, historic buildings require particular consideration because inappropriate insulation can have an adverse, damaging effect on the structure. With listed buildings, the wrong type of insulation can contravene relevant legislation.
This damp wall is has been lined with a profiled membrane. A timber frame is constructed on top of the membrane to support insulation and plasterboard dry lining. |
Damp proofing remedial work often involves the replastering of walls or the replacement of timber flooring. Surprisingly, works of this magnitude provide an excellent opportunity to upgrade older walls by installing insulation. Installing internal insulation would be a cumbersome and expensive task, especially if new flooring had already been fitted.
When considering remedial works to your property, you should note that “It is a requirement of the building regulations that thermal elements are upgraded where possible; and is mandatory where more than 50% of the area of an individual wall is to be replastered.”
Before you have any works done to your home, it is better to discuss your plans with a surveyor who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate action for your particular needs. Implementing works of this nature will necessitate tests to ensure that there are no residual damp issues with your property before works commence. Fortunately, Britannia Preservation has the expertise and ability to take your insulation projects from concept and design all the way to completion. We carry out a careful assessment of your property, advising and recommending the appropriate insulation. We take account of any dampness issues and the knock on effect of installing insulation.
Britannia Preservation can help solve your dampness problems. We provide honest, reliable advice and provide solutions that have been carefully designed to provide long-term protection from damp, as well as increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
© Britannia Preservation 2011