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PAS 2035 Retrofit Home Assessment
[flexy_breadcrumb]Introduction to PAS 2035
Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2035 is a UK standard, introduced in 2019, for the energy retrofit of domestic buildings. It was developed to address issues of quality and performance in retrofit projects and provides a robust framework for the design and installation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs). One of the key components of PAS 2035 is the Whole House Assessment (WHA), which forms the basis for any retrofit project.
The Significance of a Whole House Assessment
A Whole House Assessment is an evaluation of a home’s energy performance. This analysis is the first step in identifying opportunities for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The assessment not only considers the building’s physical aspects like its structure and materials, but also considers the people living in the home – their behaviour, preferences, and the ways they use the space.
Based on the information gathered during whole home assessment, a Medium-Term Improvement Plan is developed. This outlines the recommended energy efficiency measures such as insulation, heating system, green technologies, windows, doors, etc., their estimated costs and potential savings, and the sequence in which they should be implemented.
Insulation is a Crucial Aspect of PAS 2035 Assessments
Insulation is a key part of the PAS 2035 Whole House Assessment and retrofit process. Its importance lies in its ability to reduce heat transfer, making homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. When considering insulation as part of a retrofit, it’s important to understand its role, the different types, and how it’s assessed in the Whole House Assessment.
The Role of Insulation in Energy Efficiency
Insulation works by slowing down the transfer of heat, helping to keep a property warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By reducing the need for heating and cooling, insulation can significantly decrease energy use and carbon emissions. In fact, proper insulation can often be one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency.
Evaluating Insulation in the Whole House Assessment
During the Whole House Assessment, the Retrofit Assessor will inspect the existing insulation in the property. They’ll assess the type, age, and overall condition of the insulation, and gauge its effectiveness in reducing heat loss.
Following this assessment, the Retrofit Assessor will recommend suitable upgrades or improvements to the insulation. This may include introducing new insulation, replacing, or augmenting existing insulation, or fixing any issues with the current installation. Recommendations might range from insulating an unheated loft or adding insulation to the walls of an older property, to enhancing insulation around windows and doors.
These recommendations form the part of the Medium-Term Improvement Plan, prepared by after the assessment.
The Insulation Process
Insulating your walls begins with a survey by certified professionals to determine if your home is suitable. Only some properties, particularly older homes, may need more cavities. For those that are, the process is relatively simple and unobtrusive:
- Inspection: A specialist conducts a thorough inspection to ensure that your cavity walls are fit for insulation.
- Drilling: Small holes are carefully drilled into the outside walls, usually about the size of a coin.
- Filling: Using specialised equipment, insulating material, such as Thermo Bead, is blown into the cavity through the holes.
- Sealing: Finally, the holes are expertly sealed, matching your existing wall finish, so the work is barely noticeable.
This type of insulation is not merely energy-efficient but also environmentally friendly. The installation process ensures minimal disturbance to the household, a bonus for the ever-busy homeowner.
The Benefits for British Homeowners
The advantages of cavity wall insulation are manifold:
- Reduced Energy Bills: Keeping your home naturally warmer in winter and cooler in summer means relying less on heating and air conditioning.
- Enhanced Comfort: Eliminate cold drafts and hotspots throughout your home, fostering a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing energy consumption, insulation also decreases one’s carbon footprint—a direct benefit to the environment.
- Property Value: Investing in cavity wall insulation may enhance your property’s value by improving its energy efficiency rating.
For more information or to assess your home’s suitability for cavity wall insulation, please contact us; one team member will be happy to discuss your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cavity wall insulation?
Cavity wall insulation fills the gaps between external walls. Every part of the wall must be filled with insulation correctly, so its important the right installer does it for you.
How is the insulation installed?
To insulate your cavity walls, the installer drills small holes at intervals in the outside wall of your home. The installer then blows insulation into the cavity using special equipment. Once all the insulation is installed, the installers fill all the holes in the brickwork.
Can I do the insulation myself?
Filling cavity walls is not a job you can do by yourself, you will need to hire a professional contractor.
What wall type do I have?
Houses in the UK mostly have either solid walls or cavity walls: A cavity wall is made up of two walls with a gap in between, known as the cavity; the outer wall is usually made of brick and the inner layer of brick or concrete block. Whereas a solid wall has no cavity, each wall is a single solid wall, usually made of brick or stone.
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