If you have an old home, then you must be a proud owner wanting to enjoy the uniqueness that old homes provide.
While heritage or old homes are beautiful to look at, they present a set of challenges, especially in terms of thermal efficiency. Old designs and materials mean that summer and winter weather conditions can quickly make the house uncomfortable.
While you can improve thermal efficiency by planning an extensive renovation, this can compromise the historical structure. It will also be expensive. So, what can you do to an old home so that it’s comfortable to live in during all the seasons? Well, we have some tips.
Upgrade the insulation
The best way to provide a comfortable temperature throughout the home is by insulating the whole ceiling. You can add a layer of insulation to contain the warm air during winter. And in summer, it can absorb the extra heat through the attic keeping interiors cool and comfortable.
The same can be done to the suspended floors to achieve two-way insulation from the flooring as well. You can insulate using the same material on the suspended floors to achieve proper insulation inside the home.
Doing this will not affect the integrity of the old home structure and keeps your home comfortable to live in all the time.
Double glazed windows
Old homes usually contain large windows that allow for large amounts of thermal transfer. So, you have to think of ways to efficiently control the heat escaping and entering the home through your windows.
One way is to invest in proper window coverings like blackout curtains or roller blinds. Or you can update the transparency of the glass windows to double or triple-glazed. Glazed windows absorb most of the heat allowing only a little amount to enter inside. And in winter, glazed windows can trap the coldness keeping the interiors warm and cosy.
If you think this option works best for you, think about UPVC double-glazed windows for better functionality.
Seal off gaps and cracks
Old homes might contain a lot of gaps and cracks around the windows, doors, architraves, floorboards, and air vents. Look for these gaps carefully and seal them by using a flexible, durable, mold-resistant, and water-resistant sealant.
If not, these tiny openings can have a negative impact on the inside temperature as air can travel easily from both ways. It also depends on how tightly you are sealing the gaps. Take proper measures and see that the entire opening is covered completely by the sealant you are using.
Draught-proof chimneys and fireplaces
It’s highly unlikely to find an old home that doesn’t have a fireplace or a chimney. And these two structures can be a major passageway for the air to escape or enter. You can cover chimneys by using a top damper that contains a pivoting flap sealing the chimney as it closes.
And if you use the fireplace occasionally or intermittently, you can cover it with a drought stopper. It is a high-density foam rubber cut to fit firmly between the chimney throat and fireplace. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable way to trap the hot air from the outside and warm air inside.
Make Your Old Home Comfortable
Old homes offer a lot in the form of spacious rooms, unique architecture, and elegant structures. And you don’t want to compromise any of it by poorly executed insulation around your home.
If you are unaware or have little knowledge of insulating methods, then it’s better to seek professional help. You can yield the best results from insulating your old home when you work with a professional and can avoid mistakes that might happen when you have improper knowledge. Insulate your old home today and make your living enjoyable and comfortable during all the seasons.
Also, read here: 5 Types Of Eco-friendly Insulation Alternatives For Buildings
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