The next step called for the structural upgrade and thermally retrofit of our ground floor roofs…

Home

Ever wondered why some homes are warm in winter and cool in summer while others feel like an icebox in the cold and an oven in the heat? The secret isn’t just cranking up the heating or blasting the fans or AC, it’s all about how well your home holds onto heat… or lets it escape!

Welcome to our retrofit journey! In these images, we’ll show you how we transformed our 1930s home from draughty and damp to energy-efficient and comfortable, using a ‘Fabric First’ approach.

We’ll break it down step by step, from identifying heat loss to upgrading our roof insulation and improving airtightness. No technical jargon, just clear, practical solutions that could help you make your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and cheaper to run. To determine the best domestic retrofit solution, we confirmed the build-up and construction of each building element.

We identified the following major points of HEAT LOSS:

Through our poorly insulated pitched roof, which spanned an old rear and side brick-and-block cavity-walled extension.
Where the pitched roof joined the house at the first floor.

Then, we explored how each fabric element joined together.

We had to ensure a continuous insulation layer- from the main house ridge, down along the rafter line, through the first floor eaves, down the face of the first floor walls, across a new warm roof and down the face of the ground floor extension walls, to overlap with the insulation between the ground floor joists. So let’s dive in and see how small changes can make a big difference!

Our process was to first:

Assess and clarify the existing construction & each fabric junction (external walls/roof)
Carry out removals, make alterations & essential repairs to cavity wall head
Structurally upgrade existing ceiling structure to form flat roof base.
Improve thermal efficiency and airtightness by installing of compliant ‘warm’ flat roof.
Ensure a continuous insulation layer between the new roof and thermally upgraded external walls.
Protect continuous insulation layer with suitable roof deck and
Waterproof with GRP (fibreglass) roof covering and integral gutter

To complete we:

Installed new fascias, soffits and downpipes.
Checked and double checked for airtightness failings and/or thermal bridging at junctions.

By taking these steps, we are ensuring the long term performance of a warm, energy-efficient flat roof that complies with Building Regulations Part L1(a). By following a strict this process with attention to installation detailing and workmanship our home will now:

✔ Retain heat inside to keep us warm in winter.

✔ Take less to heat and reduce our energy bills.

✔ Prevent overheating to stay cool in summer.

✔ Remove the need for air conditioning & improve our internal comfort

✔ Meet modern insulation standards as laid down in the building regulations for long-term efficiency