The UK has a lot of different properties, with a lot of the nation’s homeowners living in properties that were initially built as long ago as pre-1919. While many of these properties have a lot of charm and character, they can lack a little on the home insulation front. In fact, to this day, half of British homes only meet the insulation standards of the 1970s. That’s why many people in older properties invest in additional insulation materials to boost their home’s energy efficiency and comfort levels.
Of course, new installations like double-glazed windows and platinum front doors can make a huge difference for a home. However, it’s also important to consider the eco-friendly materials that sustainably and breathably insulate older properties. These traditional properties are built to breathe, meaning plastic insulation can risk trapping moisture.
This article explores the kind of internal and external home insulation materials eco-conscious property owners can embrace to support their home’s energy efficiency.
Sheep’s Wool as an Insulation Material
Sheep’s wool is one of the best materials you can seek out with your home insulation grants. It’s considered the gold standard for lofts and suspended timber floors in period-built properties. It works as an eco-friendly choice because:
- Wool is hygroscopic and can absorb up to 33% of its weight in moisture, without losing any sense of insulation, releasing the moisture when air dries out.
- It’s a renewable, biodegradable insulation material that doesn’t require much energy to be processed.
- It’s perfect for temporary and easy insulation projects, such as between floor joists, in stud walls and in lofts.
Wood Fibre Boards Can Insulate Effectively
Rigid and semi-rigid boards made from compressed sawdust and wood chips can be used to add some thermal mass to the walls, without the dangers of integrating plastic elements.
- Wood fibre boards are great all year round, with their vapour-permeable nature perfect for keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter.
- They’re generally applied to the inside of brick and stone walls, finished with lime plaster to maintain a breathable cycle.
- They’re renewable solutions ideal for internal walls and roof sarking.
Cork Boards
Beyond traditional wood fibre, you can also use boards made from the bark of cork oak trees, which are especially eco-friendly as they’re harvested without killing the trees.
- Cork is both rot-resistant and fire-retardant, making it a very safe insulation material.
- It’s also waterproof and breathable, making it great for areas that are prone to developing damp, such as ground floors and cellar ceilings.
Hemp Insulation in the Form of Batts or Hemp-line
Hemp is one of the world’s most renewable materials, making it a great choice if you’re interested in using materials known for sequestering carbon.
- Hemp-line or Hempcrete can be sprayed or cast against older walls to give it a seamless breathable layer of insulation.
- Hemp batts are flexible sheets that can be used in place of mineral or sheep’s wool for the rafters of the home.
- Across the property, hemp insulation can make a huge difference.
Focus on Your Full Property
It’s not just about getting a home insulation grant and picking eco-friendly materials to insulate the space. It’s also about focusing on other elements, such as draught-proofing your property and investing in secondary glazing. Also, you shouldn’t neglect boiler and radiator maintenance, as these elements will also influence your home’s overall energy efficiency.
With a comprehensive approach to insulation and heating, you can make temperatures in older properties a lot more consistent and comfortable, without breaking the bank on energy bills. Use these eco-friendly materials and guidelines to support a more sustainable life in your older property!
