Self Build-Renovating an old house
I came across information over the years that may help the self builder when it comes to retrofits (doing up an existing dwelling).
This is probably the most challenging of self builds as the options are few when it comes to insulating a house that was never designed to be insulated.
The other problem for the self builder is how well were the houses built in the first place -are the construction details good?. If they are good then it may be an easy step (it is evident that today there are problems with new builds. Could it have been any different in the past?)-for example were the cavities clean, state of repair of pointing, brickwork etc., .
A Guide to doing it right
The document below is a very good guideline on renovating an old building correctly when it has solid walls.
Check for any newer versions at their web site.
I extracted a sample of the contents from the above guide by way of example.
External Insulation and Cavity Wall Insulation
It is worth reading what has gone wrong and can go wrong with this recent report below on two methods of insulation carried out on as upgrades –Post Installation Performance of Cavity Wall & External Wall Insulation.
Internal Insulation
The other method of internal wall dry lining insulation can be fully reviewed at this web site.
Top Tips from the same author above
It also needs to be realised that by adding insulation to a wall that was not designed for insulation can make the house colder if the solution is not correct, structurally damage the wall over time or cause mould on the inside that may affect your health. The above report goes through this.
Objective
The above will hopefully guide the self builder away from the problems and find the correct solution.
One needs to fully understand that one needs to choose the most robust solution that can withstand something going wrong.
Possible Products
Some of these products may be safer to use when it comes to old buildings . Some require extra measures to ensure they keep the building dry and you warm.
Diasen Thermal Plaster and its use can be seen at this link Diathonite Evolution internal wall insulation
Self Build Blog Passive House (Passivhaus) 