Insulate older homes 'with care'

Older homes and period properties must be insulated with care, according to one home improvement expert.

Speaking in a recent Telegraph article, columnist Jeff Howell responded to a reader query regarding what type of insulation to use in a period property.

He warned the reader that insulation features which were installed incorrectly could often cause debilitating condensation issues.

"Insulating the roof of a period property has to be done with care if it is not to cause condensation problems," he said.

The DIY expert went on to explain that, in his experience, many architects, surveyors and builders were "ignorant" of the dangers posed by condensation and recommending using vents to air out the insulation

Mr Howell recommended the use of a vapour barrier on the insulation's "warm side" to prevent leaking which could cause damage to the house's wooden rafters.

Last month, Mr Howell advised a reader of the difficulties posed by painting wood floors, stating that treated softwood was often the best choice due to it having a less "oily" surface.


By David Steel
 

Date : 17/09/2010
Category: Flooring home improvement news