The 8 principles of deep retrofit
At RENOVA we believe that ‘Form Follows Function’!. ‘Form Follows Function’ is a simple principle which means that the shape of a building should primarily be based upon its intended function or purpose. At RENOVA we believe that the primary function or purpose of a home is to be comfortable. A comfortable home should be warm, well-ventilated and free from draughts. Through measures including air-tightness, good insulation and high-performance glazing, we aim to improve your home from the inside out. Through Deep Retrofit, your house can become warm and comfortable both day and night, with minimal heating – and cooler during hot summer weather. In this blog post, we will look The 8 principles of a deep retrofit
DEEP RETROFIT EXPLAINED
Deep retrofit involves applying sustainable principles to an existing building to decrease environmental impact, maximize efficiency, and reduce costs. With this comprehensive method of overhauling your home’s infrastructure, you can create a living environment that is comfortable, healthy, and future-proofed.
THE 8 PRINCIPLES OF A DEEP RETROFIT
1.WALL INSULATION
Improve wall insulation in a number of ways;
Insulated dry-lining internally, blown-in cavity-wall insulation or external insulation with render finish.
2.ROOF INSULATION
Up to 30% of heat can escape through your roof – so a relatively small investment in roof insulation will yield great returns.
For even greater efficiency your old attic hatch can be replaced with a draught-proof insulated attic door.
3.FLOOR INSULATION
By insulating the ground floor, heat will be retained. Air-tight membranes and tapes will eliminate unwanted draughts.
Underfloor heating will give a feeling of warmth and comfort under foot.
4.HEATING
Choose from energy-efficient condensing boilers, heat pumps and renewable energy/biomass appliances.
You can decrease energy usage by installing intelligent heating controls and by creating separate heating zones.
5.LIGHTING
The introduction of low energy LED lights means huge developments have been made in energy-efficient lighting.
You will improve the lighting quality and save up to 80% in the cost of lighting your home.
6.AIRTIGHTNESS
Air tight construction retains warm air and keeps cold air kept out.
A ‘blower door test’ is carried out to check air-tightness.
7.VENTIALTION
A demand-controlled mechanical ventilation system that can automatically sense when it needs to operate is usually the best option to ventilate your home. If budget allows you might upgrade to Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery.
8.MOISTURE CONTROL
Install vapour barriers.
This protects building structures from penetrating moisture and dampness.
Unchecked moisture penetration can lead to mould growth on your walls and ceilings.
A deep retrofit can be a great investment for your home. So, not only will it make your home more comfortable, but it can also help future-proof your home against rising energy costs and climate change. To learn more about Deep Retrofit and how it can benefit your home, contact us today. We answer all your questions and we will set you on the path to a more sustainable home.
