Thermal Improvements
Discover the precision of Richardson and Starling’s Thermal Improvements and enhance your property's health and energy efficiency.
- Local Surveyors & Technicians
- Property Care Association Awards Winner
Specialists in Thermal Improvements
With extensive expertise in identifying heat loss areas and implementing effective solutions, at Richardson and Starling we offer a range of services, including internal wall and loft insulation. Utilising advanced techniques and high-quality materials, we can ensure significant reductions in energy consumption and utility bills while contributing to a greener environment and provide long-term benefits and superior living conditions for our customers.
Why Insulate?
Insulating a home is essential for reducing heat loss. By decreasing the amount of heat that escapes, insulation helps to reduce energy consumption and fuel bills, ultimately improving the energy performance of the home as reflected in Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Another significant benefit of insulation is the increase in internal surface temperatures beyond the dew point, which helps to reduce condensation and mould growth.
Types of Insulation
Insulation materials vary significantly in terms of thickness, performance, breathability, fire rating, and practicality. Generally, thicker layers of insulation provide better performance, as they offer greater resistance to heat flow. However, not all insulation materials are equal. The effectiveness of insulation is also determined by its performance, which includes how well it retains heat and how breathable it is, allowing moisture to pass through without causing damage. The fire rating of insulation materials is another critical factor, indicating their resistance to fire. Practicality involves the ease of installation and maintenance of the insulation.
Property Survey
Our qualified surveyor will closely investigate the affected area and measure the scale of the problem. At Richardson and Starling, we only supply experienced surveyors who are highly trained. This means that our surveyor will be able to complete the survey and give the appropriate remedial recommendations no matter what problem is identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of insulating my home?
Insulating your home provides several benefits. It reduces heat loss, leading to lower energy consumption and fuel bills. Improved insulation also enhances the energy performance of your home, as indicated by Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Additionally, it increases internal surface temperatures, reducing condensation and mould growth, and contributes to a more comfortable living environment, enhancing the well-being of occupants.
How do I measure the effectiveness of insulation?
The effectiveness of insulation is primarily measured using the U-value, which indicates how much heat flows through a wall. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation. Lower U-values mean that less heat is lost through the walls, resulting in improved thermal performance and energy efficiency.
What types of insulation are available, and how do they differ?
Insulation materials vary in thickness, performance, breathability, fire rating, and practicality. Thicker layers of insulation generally provide better thermal performance. However, the effectiveness also depends on the material’s ability to retain heat and its breathability, which allows moisture to pass through without causing damage. Fire rating indicates the material’s resistance to fire, and practicality involves ease of installation and maintenance.
How can insulation help in preventing mould growth?
Proper insulation increases internal surface temperatures beyond the dew point, reducing condensation and mould growth. Using advanced tools like the Finnish mould growth model (VTT), which predicts mould growth based on factors such as surface temperature, structure, moisture content, and relative humidity, can help in choosing the best insulation practices to minimise mould growth in homes.