Motivations:

I live with my mother in a house that was built in the 1930s that has solid walls. Since we moved into the house, I don’t recall ever switching off the heating; the house was always cold, had condensation and mould issues, in fact I had to increase the radiators in the house, not forgetting my high energy bills.

Upon my research on the dangers of carbon emissions, I started realising the ramifications this is having on our environment; and I wanted to do my part to help reduce the heat loss in my property.

Statistics say that over 40% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions (the main greenhouse gas which causes climate change) actually come from the things we do every day, such as wasting energy, not forgetting my high energy bills.

Fully insulating my home meant the boiler works less hard and less fossil fuel is consumed. Furthermore it promised to eliminate condensation and mould issues associated with cold walls in my property; save on heating bills and beat escalating energy prices; increase comfort for us and help the environment by making your home more energy efficient.

Property background:

The property was built in the 1930’s and is a detached property.

Key changes made:

External wall installation, Double Glazing, Draught-proofing, Low Energy Lighting, Solar PV Panels and Low Energy appliances.

Measures installed in detail:

• Condensing gas boiler with hot water cylinder jacket
• Double glazing
• External wall insulation (Rockwool system).
  The whole house was externally insulated over solid walls. REDArt Silicone 15/5207  Rockwool 0.036W/mK system used with Wetherby finish. Kingspan insulation used internally to deal with voids above the triangular jutting out roof sections above the lower windows (see photos).
• Low energy appliances include A rated fridge, freezer and cooker
• Low energy light bulbs in all fittings
• Roof insulation between rafters
• 4kWp Solar PV system

Benefits of work carried out:

In all the years I have been in the property, it was the first time we had our heating off during the summer period and I have noticed the condensation and mould issues disappearing.

Favourite feature:

The property looks really beautiful with the external wall installation. The final outcome exactly matched the specification we had discussed prior to the start of the project, although the journey to completion was not always smooth.

Contact this homeowner