108 THE BUILDING CONSERVATION DIRECTORY 2025 CATHEDRAL COMMUNICATIONS expand and contract through the seasons without limiting the function of the door. Letterbox covers and escutcheon covers should also be considered. Older floorboards often have gaps between them that contribute to heat loss. Applying a flexible filler between the floorboards and, if access allows, insulating beneath the floor with a natural breathable material makes a noticeable difference. A common pitfall when sealing floorboards is using rigid fillers that can crack due to natural movement. Instead, linseed oil putty, beeswax-based fillers, marine deck caulking or specialist breathable sealants should be used to allow slight flexibility without compromising the structure. Open fireplaces, when not in use, can be a major source of draughts. Chimney balloons or sheep’s wool chimney draught excluders are effective, reversible solutions and can be fitted in conjunction with traditional register plates. THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING WITH SPECIALISTS Draught-proofing in period buildings is a specialist task that requires careful planning and an understanding of traditional construction methods. Retrofitting energy efficiency measures without compromising the building’s integrity is challenging and working with an experienced retrofit company that specialises in historic buildings is highly recommended. A contractor with expertise in historic buildings will be able to identify key areas of heat loss quickly. Their knowledge ensures that the most appropriate solutions are applied, balancing modern energy efficiency standards with traditional building materials and techniques. Conservation specialists will also be familiar with the nuances of listed buildings and conservation areas, ensuring that all work is compliant with regulations and does not detract from the historic character of the property. An experienced team can provide tailored recommendations, from selecting the right type of secondary glazing to advising on underfloor insulation techniques that maintain breathability. With professional input, homeowners and conservation professionals can significantly reduce heat loss while preserving the integrity of the building. PLANNING PERMISSION CONSIDERATIONS A common concern when implementing draught-proofing measures in historic or listed buildings is whether planning permission is required. In most cases, draught-proofing does not require planning consent as it is considered a minor and reversible improvement. Measures such as fitting draught seals to windows and doors, installing chimney balloons or sealing gaps in floorboards can usually be carried out without formal approval. However, replacing doors and windows entirely, installing double or triple glazing in a listed building, or making alterations that significantly impact the historic fabric of a property may require consent. Using modern synthetic materials that alter the building’s appearance, such as uPVC window inserts or foam-based fillers, may also lead to regulatory challenges. It is essential to use conservation-approved materials and techniques that align with heritage guidelines. STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE Draught-proofing in older buildings should never come at the expense of necessary ventilation. The goal is to make a building more comfortable and energy efficient while respecting its original design and ensuring it continues to breathe properly. For instance, a 70–80 per cent reduction in draughts still allows for 20–30 per cent background ventilation, reducing the risk of damp and condensation. A 100 per cent seal is not only expensive to achieve but is also undesirable. All buildings need to allow for a healthy exchange of stale air for fresh air. Traditional buildings, and indeed many retrofits of 20th-century buildings, must address breathability, allowing moisture to move through the fabric relatively freely. Regular window opening should complement background ventilation to maintain a healthy indoor environment. In some cases, for instance if there is an underlying damp issue, further mechanical ventilation may be required. By understanding where and how air movement occurs, conservation professionals can implement solutions that improve energy efficiency without introducing the risk of damp and deterioration. Whether through traditional draught-stripping methods or modern glazing technologies, a wellplanned approach to draught-proofing ensures that historic buildings remain comfortable, sustainable and structurally sound for the future. TOM COLES is Managing Director and DAN RAYMOND BARKER is Director of Surveying and Carbon Management at Mitchell & Dickinson. An experienced company will provide tailored recommendations when selecting the type of secondary glazing. (Photo: Mitchell & Dickinson) Heat loss percentages in old buildings.
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