Description

Since 2006 regulations have been substantially rewritten in the area of thermal performance, emphasising a need to improve existing performance to meet such standards. This Wood Information Sheet outlines the options for improving the thermal performance of existing timber frame buildings and summarises the important issues that specifiers should consider when implementing improvements.

Solutions that cause less disruption to building occupants and which have been considered by many to be more economic and effective are listed below:
- Improving airtightness
- Increasing roof insulation
- Upgrading windows
- Adding floor insulation.

If circumstances make the improvement of thermal performance of the wall a viable proposition, there are a number of alternative methods which might be considered:
- Adding insulation to the timber frame stud void
- Adding insulation to the internal face
- Adding insulation to the external face.

See also WIS 1-50 for guidance on insulated wood cladding methods.