How should we go about making old houses energy efficient without devaluing future sustainability or the appeal and character of old homes by the use of inappropriate solutions? This practical and essential guide to retrofitting for energy-efficiency seeks to provide answers to this and other the questions homeowners of old houses are asking. Whether your house is medieval and timber-framed, Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian terrace, it can be made more energy-efficient and sustainable, and this practical and comprehensive handbook will show you how. With sections on roofs and ceilings, insulation options,draft proofing and secondary glazing windows and doors;painting and limewashing, and solar panels, hydro-power, water efficiency and recycling, this is a must for owners of old houses.
An essential guide to retrofitting old houses to be energy efficient, and a companion to the highly successful "Old House Handbook". 300 illustrations.
'Comprehensive guide to retrofitting old houses to be energy efficient'
'Three green cheers for the Old House Eco Handbook ... It mixes an erudite analysis of building science with practical advice and demonstrations of best practice.'
'This beautifully presented book considers the knock-on effects of eco building'
'an indispensable guide for anyone looking to improve the energy efficiency of their draughty old pile without compromising its integrity.'
'takes a sympathetic approach to eco-renovation, addressing the knock-on effects of everything from improving the airtightness and thermal insulation of the home, to the installation of solar panels. Nothing in life is simple, and such home improvements need to be tackled with care.'
“ a beautifully crafted work packed full of easy to follow and practical advice that explains how older houses can be “ tuned-up” to become more energy efficient. Moreover, this book is different to all the other advice you might find because here the wants and needs of the “ Old House” are central to the type and method of the enhancements being employed; the protection of the building’ s historic and aesthetic value being of paramount importance.”
"authoritative and exceptionally well-researched ... extensive and practical guide ... written with enough detail to appeal to architects and builders, yet in a way that is accessible to the homeowner ... it's a book that should be flicked through with plaster-encrusted fingers, rather than relegated to the coffee-table display."
'straightforward language, a must especially for conservation architects'
"I would happily give a copy to each of my clients to help explain the process, principles, good practice, malpractice and alternatives that should be considered ... a great induction course before embarking on a refurbishment so that the homeowner is able to make sound rational decisions ... "
“ What a relief it is to read some of the advice given … no jargon, no strange new materials, just common sense.”
'a practical manifesto which puts the 'green' into heritage and urges us to reconsider our use of natural resources ... owners of historic buildings will find this invaluable. But it is not just owners who will benefit .. the Old House Eco Handbook contains in-depth technical information and guidance which architects and contractors can, and should, draw on."
