41966
18 February 2025

Keeping period properties homes warm and cosy

Older buildings tend to have single glazing, little or no insulation and solid walls that let heat escape

Tom Coles, managing director atMitchell & Dickinson, explains how the company ensures that period homes are warm and insulated in the colder months.

What does Mitchell & Dickinson offer clients?

Mitchell & Dickinson was founded in 2010 to help make Britain's period homes warmer and more comfortable through tailored insulation solutions. The company was born out of a passion for preserving the beauty and charm of older properties while enhancing their energy efficiency. The company focuses on what we call the ‘low-hanging fruit' of insulation - cost-effective measures that deliver significant results.

These includeCosyGlazing, a virtually invisible secondary glazing, as well as loft,

floor, and sloping ceiling insulation. These upgrades can reduce heat loss by up to 50%, making a noticeable difference in the warmth of a home and helping to

lower heating bills. We combine respect for heritage with practical, innovative techniques that ensure a period home remains as beautiful as ever - just cosier and more energy-efficient.

What sort of area do you cover?

Mitchell and Dickinson's headquarters are in Devon, but we operate across the south of England, covering Hampshire, London, Surrey, Sussex, Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and Cornwall. There are roughly 19 million homes in Britain in need of retrofitting to improve energy efficiency.

How do the services offered differ from those for more modern homes?

The team specialises in period properties because of their charm, character, and the unique challenges they present. Older buildings, often built before modern energy standards, tend to have single glazing, little or no insulation, and solid walls that let heat escape. They are the homes in the country which waste the most energy and emit the most CO2. Unless older housing stock is insulated, we cannot, as a country, reach net zero. Retrofitting these homes requires a sensitive approach to protect their historical and architectural features. Conventional insulation methods can sometimes damage original details or detract from a home's character. Mitchell and Dickinson's bespoke solutions are designed to enhance warmth and energy efficiency while respecting the beauty and integrity of heritage buildings.

What are the issues that period homes have with insulation?

Period homes' traditional features can make them harder to keep warm. Large sash windows often have single glazing that allows significant heat to escape and can create draughts. This makes windows one of the main culprits for energy loss in older properties. Similarly, roofs and floors in period homes often lack adequate insulation, leaving rooms chilly and heating bills high.

Adding to the challenge, conventional insulation solutions can sometimes clash with the heritage features of these homes, or even risk causing moisture issues if they don't allow the building to breathe properly.

And how can these be solved?

Mitchell & Dickinson offers tailored solutions to these problems, such as advanced secondary glazing, breathable sheep's wool insulation and draught-proofing methods

that respect the property's character.

What are the best ways to keep period homes warm during the colder months?

Implement simple, cost-free measures such as closing curtains at dusk to retain heat, using draught excluders on doors, and sealing gaps with temporary materials like rolled-up towels. Addressing the underlying inefficiencies often requires professional expertise. Mitchell & Dickinson was set up 15 years ago to do just that.

What sort of things can affect the effectiveness of insulation?

Proper installation is crucial - even the best materials won't perform well if gaps are left for heat to escape or if the installation results in cold spots or thermal bridging. Moisture is another key factor, as is ventilation. This is particularly important in older homes, where breath able materials are often needed to prevent unintended consequences such as damp and mould. The type and thickness of insulation also make a difference. Natural options like sheep's wool often outperform synthetic alternatives. Regular upkeep is essential too, as insulation can degrade or

become damaged over time.

Are there any types of insulation that should be avoided?

Yes, in older properties, certain types of insulation, such as spray foam, should be approached with caution. Spray foam can trap moisture, leading to damp issues and

structural damage inwalls or roofs. In period properties, internal wall insulation can be problematic resulting in condensation and interstitial mould. Similarly, non-breathable synthetic materials can cause condensation and harm traditional building materials like timber or lime mortar. It's essential to choose breathable, sympathetic solutions tailored to the property's needs to avoid compromising its integrity. Our advice before any insulation installation is to talk to an expert.

For further information the Mitchell &Dickinson, please click here

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