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Old homes 'require the right heating materials'
10/09/10
Edited by Tom Bardsley.People who live in older residential properties may wish to consider bringing in a heating engineer after one expert said insulation can improve the energy efficiency of such structures.
Peak District National Park Authority historic buildings architect John Sewell said insulation and draught-proofing are the priority upgrades for any traditional house.
"As long as you use the right materials, they have the least impact on an old building," he explained.
Natural insulation is the preferred option, Mr. Sewell added, as aged houses "need to breathe" by letting the moisture in and out of the walls.
Hemp fibre and sheep's wool are two choices that are permeable and provide good thermal characteristics, he stated.
The park authority claimed older homes can lose up to 60 per cent of their energy through the walls and roof.
Green upgrades to a property could help it to gain as much as five per cent in value, the National Home Improvement Show recently commented.
