Insulation
Insulating and draught-proofing your property are very effective ways of reducing heat loss and energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a quarter of an uninsulated home’s heat is lost through the roof. The most common loft insulation is mineral wool which usually comes in rolls but there are alternatives, some of which can be seen on the YBS insulation website and the Thermafleece website. Although loft insulation can be carried out on a DIY basis, it is important to take into account the changes in temperature in the loft and the need to insulate any tanks and pipes, draught-proof the loft hatch and maintain adequate ventilation for the roof. Advice is available from the Energy Saving Trust.
Advice on draught-proofing is also provided by the Energy Saving Trust. It is good to cut out uncontrolled draughts but it is also important to keep any intentional ventilation, especially where it is necessary for extractor fans, boilers and open fires. If you live in a radon-affected area, please also read the advice given by Public Health England.
Cavity wall construction became very popular in the Twentieth Century, and it is the normal type of external wall for modern housing. Cavity wall insulation can be very effective but it is important to make sure that the pre-installation survey and the actual installation are completed to the highest standards because some properties will not be suitable for this form of insulation. A masonry cavity wall is usually comprised of two leaves of blocks or bricks which are separated by a cavity but joined by cavity ties which give the wall its strength. The cavity is designed to prevent moisture from the outer leaf reaching the inner leaf. In some cases, the insertion of insulation in the cavity can enable the moisture to reach the inner leaf causing dampness inside the building. A good pre-installation survey should be able to identify buildings where this form of insulation would not be suitable. Please read the advice given by the Energy Saving Trust.
Where the external masonry wall does not have a cavity, it is usually known as a solid wall. Solid wall insulation is comparatively expensive, and grants can be available to assist with the cost. There are a number of funding schemes available. The Centre for Sustainability Energy provides a free advice service (telephone: 0800 082 2234 or email: info@cse.org.uk) for members of the public.
No Case Studies Currently Available