Issue 35 autumn 2022 - Flipbook - Page 7
Achieving Thermal Efficiency
in Heritage Properties
Heritage properties, whilst beautiful, are more often associated with being dark and draughty
than they are bright and thermally efficient.
But technology has moved on too, and matters can be
improved. Whilst it’s true that working on period properties is harder than their modern counterparts, from
practical and permission perspectives, it is not impossible.
Many manufacturers, including the Rooflight Company,
have created modern specification products, that will also
satisfy Conservation Officers.
This isn’t so surprising when we consider the wider
context of when these stunning properties were built,
because high-performing materials and technologies
simply weren’t available. Simple solutions like using two
panes of glass to reduce heat loss, i.e. double-glazing,
weren’t thought of until 1930.
Similarly, polyamide, a superior insulator now commonly
used throughout the fenestration industry to create
high-performing thermal breaks, wasn’t invented until
1935. The 30s might seem like a long time ago, but in
terms of the age of UK building stock, it might as well be
yesterday.
For example, our Conservation Rooflight was the first
modern product to be aesthetically modelled on the
original Victorian cast iron single-glazed rooflight design,
which was prone to rusting and leaking.
The modern design marries the clean lines and simplistic
look of the original rooflight with the performance
required for modern living and building regulations, by
combining steel, double-glazing, draught stripping, and
thermal lining. Together, this allows plenty of natural light
to flood a room and is able to achieve a whole-unit
U-Value of 1.4W/m2K, whilst also being suitable for even
Grade I listed buildings. You can even find them on
National Trust and English Heritage properties across
the UK.
Of course, over a century, refurbishments have taken
place on some period properties. But when these technologies were invented, aesthetics weren’t the main
priority. A lot of mid-Century refurbs tragically destroyed
the magic of heritage properties and, as a result, many
owners of period properties have refrained from this kind
of work right up until the modern day.
So, whether we’re talking about a Tudor barn, Georgian
country house, or Victorian terrace, or any other type of
period property, most still have their challenges when it
comes to natural light and thermal efficiency.
Below, Frog Pond Cottage
Conservation & Heritage Journal
5