Australian heritage homes are popular, particularly in older established suburbs of our major cities and regional locations. While they are charming to look at, they can be draughty and uncomfortable to live in.
But help is at hand, there are many things owners of old homes can do to draught proof and more effectively insulate to make the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Insulation can be fitted during a renovation but also at any time. Wall and ceiling insulation are most commonly used in Australian homes, but underfloor insulation can play a major role in warming your home.
This is particularly true of older homes because they often have suspending timber floors, whereas more modern dwellings are built on concrete slabs. Until the 1980s, most homes had suspended timber floors built on timber stumps or brick piers. That means millions of Australian homes could benefit from underfloor insulation.
Draught proof your home
Before you start reviewing your home insulation needs, it is important to look at where draughts are entering your home and dealing with them first.
Draught proofing involves finding and sealing air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings to prevent uncontrolled air movement.
According to Sustainability Victoria, up to 25% of winter heat loss in existing Australian houses is caused by air leakage through draughts, and nine out of ten homes in Victoria have unwanted draughts.
Draughts can be felt in many areas of heritage homes, including doors and windows, floorboards, fireplaces, architraves & skirting boards, exhaust fans & vents, and ducted heating/cooling systems.
Chimney draught proofing
Many heritage homes have one or more chimneys, so chimney draught proofing is important in keeping unwanted cool or hot air from circulating in them.
Chimneys for open fireplaces are designed to extract air from your house to ensure your fire burns well and the smoke is drawn out. However, this means a chimney will let air in and out of your home. By blocking your chimney when it’s not in use, you can reduce that air movement and make your older home more comfortable. Several methods are available including a damper or draught stopper that can be retrofitted to a chimney.
Doors and windows
Draughts are also very common around doors and windows in heritage homes due to the construction of older-style fittings. When considering options, it’s important to preserve the historic character of the windows and doors.
Options for draught proofing include discreet weather stripping, window film, thicker curtains, draught stoppers, and more. Using materials and techniques that respect the property’s original features is essential.
Insulating an old house
Most homes, including heritage ones, have ceiling and wall insulation, particularly if they’ve been renovated recently. But it shouldn’t be assumed that insulation is in place and that it is effective, as some types of insulation deteriorate over time.
Older homes often encounter insulation challenges. As homes settle and shift over time, gaps and cracks may form in the insulation, allowing heat to escape during winter and enter in the summer, which reduces energy efficiency. Additionally, pests such as rodents can nest in the insulation, causing damage and creating more gaps, while moisture can lead to mould or mildew, further compromising the insulation’s effectiveness.
Underfloor insulation is particularly important for older homes because many have suspended timber floors with plenty of draughts. Even if the timber floors are carpeted, heat will still be lost in cold weather.
Underfloor insulation
Foam underfloor insulation significantly enhances your home’s energy efficiency. Creating a thermal barrier minimises heat loss through the floor, maintaining a stable indoor temperature. This means less reliance on heating and cooling systems, lowering energy consumption and reducing utility bills.
Another benefit of polystyrene underfloor insulation is the increased comfort it brings to your living spaces. Floors can become cold without insulation, especially during winter, leading to an uncomfortable living environment. Timber floor insulation also offers noise reduction benefits, as it helps to dampen the sounds that travel through the floor.
Additionally, using Expol insulation is an environmentally responsible choice. Reducing the need for heating and cooling helps lower the household’s carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future. The insulation is made from recycled materials, further enhancing its environmental credentials.
Better still, a competent DIY homeowner can retrofit underfloor insulation in a weekend. All that’s required is to measure up, cut to fit, install the foam panels, fix them with fittings, and place insulation tape around cables.
Learn more about DIY underfloor insulation
Retrofitting underfloor insulation can provide a more comfortable home environment for you and your family. In addition to comfort, you’ll save money on heating and cooling costs and help the environment by consuming less energy.
Expol products are available at leading hardware stores and other selected outlets nationwide.
Please get in touch with us directly at 1300 AU FOAM if you require further information.
