ASK THE EXPERT


The future of retrofi t


James Parker speaks to Nick Whant, sustainability manager at the NSBRC, about the viability, performance and sustainability of retrofi tting properties.


comes with health benefi ts too. Indoor air pollution can be more harmful than we tend to realise. More effi cient homes arent just better for the planet. You can drastically reduce running costs, which is especially appealing for those thinking about their forever home. Shorter term benefi ts can be achieved, and your property value can increase too but most signifi cant retrofi t solutions are a long-term investment. Crucially, reducing gas and energy usage – or moving away from fossil fuels – futureproofs against rising costs in an increasingly volatile market. For some, creating a more sustainable home, or sensitively updating an older property can be rewards of their own, and a legacy to leave for future generations.


IS RETROFIT A VIABLE OPTION FOR ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY?


In short, yes! Depending on your budget, you may be looking for low-cost solutions to increase comfort and reduce running costs of your home, or you may be considering a deep retrofi t, which represents a larger investment and a more disruptive project. e generally encourage a fabric fi rst


approach, focused on reducing heat- loss and improving airtightness before investing in heat and energy solutions. Reducing your space heating demand will generally offer greater long-lasting benefi ts than heat and energy upgrades alone, which can be a fantastic next step. In a more modern home, you might choose to skip ahead and focus on


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distributing heat around your home more economically, or reducing your reliance on the grid by integrating solar and battery storage. In the Retrofi t one educational exhibit at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), we explore how your approach and priorities may vary depending on the type or age of your home.


WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF DOING A RETROFIT? Retrofi t projects come in all shapes and sies, and so do the benefi ts. Keeping warm in winter and cool in summer makes for a more comfortable home. A balanced environment with consistent temperatures and fresh air


WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT RETROFIT? Cavity wall insulation has long had a mixed reputation. It was often promoted as a uick fi x for older buildings with narrow cavities, but in many cases the insulation later became damp and ineffective. Repairs can be disruptive and expensive. More recently, similar concerns have emerged around external wall insulation upgrades, a decade or so on from this non-intrusive solution being widely recommended and subsidised. While external systems are generally easier to remove, failures still create serious problems for homeowners and tenants. Importantly, these issues dont mean the systems themselves are inherently fl awed. Many failures stem from poor assessment of building suitability, existing moisture or debris in cavities, incompatible materials and inadequate detailing that attracts or traps moisture. This is especially critical in older solid-wall homes where breathable, vapour-open materials and good ventilation are essential. Effective moisture management is key. Addressing knowledge gaps among tradespeople remains vital, and is something the NSBRC is actively supporting.


WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING? Knowing where to start can be tricky, so we recommend deciding how far you want to go, and working backwards from there to create a plan – even if you end up staggering the work itself. It can be tempting to start making upgrades before having a whole house plan. The danger is having to undo work further


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