Roger Hunt discusses the perils and delights of beautiful old buildings
Mitchell & Dickinsonspecialises in delivering bespoke insulation solutions for period homes and listed buildings.Products include a unique, advanced secondary glazing system known asCosyGlazing,high-qualitydraught proofing for windows and doors, and specialist sheep's wool insulation for underfloor and lofts which will greatly improve the energy savings and ventilation. Mitchell & Dickinson's insulation solutions are installed on site, by expert craftsmen all of whom are direct employees and fully trained in house. The company also offer restoration services which often precede the installation of insulation measures.
One of the founding principles of Mitchell & Dickinson is to cut carbon; the carbon savings that result from the work carried out are 50 times greater than their carbon footprint which ensures Mitchell & Dickinson is a carbon-negative, climate-positive company.
The words that often spring to mind when thinking about old buildings are cold, draughty, damp - and beautiful. They are certainly not uncommon issues and are among the many perils of owning or living with these historic structures. Finding solutions can be challenging, especially as we aim to improve energy efficiency and comfort, but the process can also be exciting and rewarding.
Old buildings are a precious and finite resource, so many occupiers see themselves as guardians rather than owners. This is particularly true with listed buildings, although they come with their own set of issues. Strict rules govern what can and cannot be done, so ownership may seem particularly daunting although it is immensely satisfying.
Despite the perils associated with old buildings, it is worth remembering that the construction methods used in the past were generally a lot simpler than those used today, and most traditional materials are natural and more healthy, both for the building and the occupants, than many of their modern equivalents.
The general message is that simple is best; before thinking about heat pumps and other technology, the focus should be on ensuring the building's fabric works as well as it possibly can. This fabric first principle concentrates on cutting draughts and improving the thermal insulation of the building envelope - the roof, floors and walls, including the doors and windows.
Heat is lost much faster through air leakage than through areas lacking insulation, so reducing the amount of cold air getting in and warm air escaping saves energy and is often achieved relatively easily and inexpensively. Creating a building envelope that is as airtight as possible helps prevent discomfort and reduces the desire to turn up the heating as being in a draught has the effect of making us feel colder than we actually are. Consequently, sealing gaps between floorboards and around doors and windows is incredibly beneficial.
Airtightness should not be confused with breathability, which is essential to how the fabric of an old building works to prevent damp and the disastrous consequences of woodworm and rot. Breathability has to do with the movement of water vapour, not air movement or draughts through gaps and joints. Even so, it is vital to understand that increasing the airtightness of a building reduces the number of air changes that occur and results in increased relative humidity and poor indoor air quality. Ventilation is essential but it must be controlled, rather than the random ventilation associated with draughts. It may be achieved simply by opening a window for a brief period or, more commonly, by a mechanical extractor such as those found in bathrooms and kitchens.
Together with draught proofing, retrofitting to achieve fabric first solutions involves jobs ranging from quick wins, such as loft insulation, to potentially complex projects, such as installing internal or external wall insulation. Wall insulation should never be undertaken without the advice of experts since interstitial condensation can result if inappropriate materials are used or installed incorrectly.
Much easier than wall insulation is adding secondary glazing to windows and, where appropriate, doors. Draughts around the edges of sashes and casements and chilly single glazing lead to cold areas close to windows, so there is a tendency to move away from them. Secondary glazing is an excellent way of overcoming this problem while allowing the retention of old windows and, importantly, their original glass.
Old glass is particularly special due to the ripples and occasional bubbles that result from manufacturing ‘defects'. These have the wonderful effect of bringing the glass to life as it sparkles in the sun - an attribute sadly lacking in modern glass, which appears flat and lifeless.
Secondary glazing takes many forms, from simple DIY products to highly bespoke solutions. The type chosen will depend on the window, its prominence within the building and the budget available.
With any work to an old building, it is essential to avoid the perils of storing up problems for the future through inappropriate interventions, so think about how it may affect the way the building works and the aesthetic impact it will have. If in doubt, consult a professional and, with listed buildings and those in conservation areas, speak to the local authority conservation officer and, where necessary, gain the appropriate consents.
For further information, please visit https://mitchellanddickinson.co.uk/
-ends-
Taylor Alden
Email:media@tayloralden.co.uk