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In the context of building materials, and with particular reference to old and historic buildings, the generic term ‘breathable’ is used to describe an important property of building fabric: the extent to which building materials are able to transmit moisture. Breathable materials should be sufficiently permeable to enable absorbed and surface moisture to evaporate during ambient drying conditions. Loss of moisture from the material needs to occur rapidly enough to ensure that there is no accumulation of moisture which can lead, over time, to significant deterioration of building fabric, de...
Energy efficiency is becoming the key issue for people working with historic buildings. SPAB believes that if approaches aren't based on the right figures to begin with, then we could, unintentionally, be doing untold, invasive damage.The initial objective of the SPAB research project was to fit in with the work begun by Historic Scotland and Historic England. Historic Scotland has produced a various reports , looking mainly at the performance of sandstone construction, while English Heritage is currently looking at brick construction. SPAB felt a responsibility to represent other nationall...
This article weighs up the merits of installing thermal insulation above ceilings in the lofts of old buildings – including those with tile or slate roofs.
This is the installation of thermal insulation at the level of rafters – the inclined timber members that form the top of the frame supporting a pitched roof.
This article explores the options for suspended timber floor insulation in historic buildings.
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