Insulation techniques

Insulation, its choice of materials and installation, is likely to be the major consideration of a refurbishment project. Note also that during periods of increased summer temperatures both insulation from heat loss AND the successful attentenuation of heat gain are two sides of the same coin.

Lofts - insulation at ceiling levelThe simplest and cheapest roof insulation is the classic cold loft option. Insulation is placed over and between the wooden joists, above the ceiling.Read more

Lofts - insulation at rafter levelInstalling insulation directly under the roof between the rafters provides for a 'warm loft' which can typically be a room in the loft.
Insulation will reduce heat loss and the space won't become excessively hot in summer or cold in winter. Read more

Cavity wall insulationCavity fill can be an excellent solution reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions and improving comfort, and at little relative cost.Read more

Solid walls: internal vs external insulationAbout a quarter of all buildings in Scotland are solid walled, usually stone but sometimes brick or concrete. Read more

Internal solid wall insulation (IWI)Internal wall insulation of any sort should only be carried out if you are sure that the condition of the outer roof, rainwater goods and wall are good.Read more

External solid wall insulation (EWI)Fitting insulation to the outside of a solid wall is the easiest and most cost-effective strategy for most walls.Read more

Timber frame retrofit insulationIn Scotland most new homes are now built in timber frame. The majority of these homes feature a timber frame internally, filled with insulation, with a ventilated cavity outside that and a masonry wall beyond to make it look like a masonry home.Read more

Windows and doorsWindows and doors have long been a weak point in overall heat management. After much development though, new and effective solutions are available.Read more

Openings in 'historical' buildingsBecause of likely heavily controlled planning conditions, the improvement in thermal efficiency of doors and windows in historic buildings is usually considered near-impossible. However there are techniques and technologies that can get performance over the line. Read more

Openings in 'non-historical' buildingsLorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Cum doloremque numquam et dolorem molestias vel tenetur suscipit qui adipisci sunt sed velit harum.Read more

Ground floor insulationSit maxime eius id harum omnis et laudantium maxime. 33 omnis fugit eos autem illum hic modi impedit ut consectetur harum quo dolor reiciendis.Read more

Suspended floor insulationSed iure dolores et corporis voluptatem qui ipsam possimus et unde itaque non sequi velit.Read more

Suspended floors - insulation from belowAppropriate for where access to the underside of the suspended floor is available. Read more

Suspended floors - insulation from aboveAppropriate for when only access from above the suspended floor is available. Read more

Solid floor insulationA solid eg stone floor is traditionally built off the earth beneath the building. Heat loss through a solid floor is around 15% of the total heat loss.
If excavation and replacement of the floor is part of the schedule, insulation needs to be added. Read more