How To Get Rid Of Draughtiness In Your Heritage Home

6 Nov

Predisposition To Draughts

Are you a heritage homeowner who is sick of the draughtiness and poor insulation of your property? Heritage homes typically don’t meet modern needs for thermal control due to:

Historical Features: Architectural features such as exposed beams, large fireplaces, and decorative mouldings, which are common in heritage homes, can contribute to draughtiness. Gaps around these features or insufficient sealing can allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape.

Building Movement: Over time, heritage buildings may experience structural movement, causing gaps to develop in walls, floors, and windows. These gaps can create draughts and compromise the effectiveness of heating systems.
Lack of Insulation: Heritage homes may have limited or no insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings. Without adequate insulation, heat can easily transfer through the building envelope, leading to higher heating costs and increased draughtiness.

The Solution

Retrofit your heritage home to meet modern energy efficiency standards without compromising their historical character.

Historically Sensitive Ventilation Solutions: Integrate ventilation systems that meet modern standards while respecting the heritage character of the home. This could involve discreetly installing ventilation ducts within existing structural elements or incorporating period-style vents and grilles that complement the architectural style.
Integrated Insulation Solutions: Opt for insulation materials and techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into heritage structures without compromising their historical integrity. This may include using spray foam insulation for cavity walls, blown-in cellulose or fibreglass insulation for attics, and insulating plasterboard for interior walls.
Collaborative Design Approach: Work closely with architects, preservation specialists, and contractors experienced in heritage renovations to develop renovation plans that balance energy efficiency with historical preservation.

Next Step

If you want to transform your heritage home into a sanctuary of optimal temperature control, discuss you project with Dean who has more than 10 years of experience transforming heritage properties. Schedule a personal 15 minute phone consultation with Dean to find out how we can help with your project. This will allow you to go from being uncertain about your project’s insulative potential to confident about moving forward and getting the ball rolling on your dream home!

Schedule a chat with Dean