Joe's Response to 'Insulation is bad for old buildings' (The Times)

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has highlighted concerns regarding the inappropriate use of non-breathing insulation materials in older properties and the need for carefully considered thermal upgrades. We fully endorse this approach and hope others realise the significance of poorly designed and managed upgrades will inevitably lead to accelerated decay within the building fabric and health problems for the occupants, through the build up of trapped moisture over time. The heading suggests leave the insulation out, whereas it should read insulate with appropriate products, ie natural insulations, that allow moisture to pass through and work within old buildings. Part of our work on our own impending version of a Green Deal includes such as approach.

'Insulation is bad for old buildings'

Article featured in The Times - 2nd August 2011

Sir, we are seriously concerned that the drive to promote the complete thermal upgrading of pre-1919 buildings could be storing up expensive future problems for both building fabric and human health. Inappropriate forms of insulation and the sealing-up of interiors take little account that these buildings, which number millions, perform differently from modern ones and need to 'breathe'. They are likely to require a different approach, in particular over the movement of moisture within them.

While we strongly support the aim of reducing carbon emissions from the nation's building stock, we call on the Government to involve bodies knowledgeable about old buildings in research and planning for the Green Deal. Many of these bodies already have helpful research to contribute but to date have not been called on to do so.

David Heath, Chairman SPAB

Kevin McCloud

Sarah Staniforth, Historic Properties Director, NT

Janet Gough, Director of Cathedral and Church Buildings Division, Archbishops' Council, Church of England

Loyd Grossman, Chair, Churches Conservation Trust

Drian Dungavell, Director, The Victorian Society

Plus seven other signatories, whose names can be seen at thetimes.co.uk/letters