BUSINESS SUPPORT INSULATION BEST PRACTICE
Nik Nelberg hard at work
Talking about insulation with clients can be tricky – especially
when it’s not top of their list of priorities – but the conversation can’t be skipped
AN INSULATING CONVERSATION
W hen taking on a home they want to live in their space. “Often, they’ll mention cold rooms or discomfort – those are natural in-roads to start discussing insulation,” says Nik Nelberg, Managing Director of London- based Earl & Calam Design and Build Ltd. His advice: don’t start with the spec sheet; go with your clients’ feel of the space. Once the lived experience is on the table, clients are more receptive to ideas that improve comfort long-term. Even if insulation isn’t in the current budget, it needs to be part of the design conversation. Nelberg’s team, who’ve improvement job, the first point to address with your clients is finding out how completed retrofit training, routinely recommend futureproofing details. “If we’re doing a loft, we might extend the eaves slightly so there’s room for future external wall insulation,” he explains. “It doesn’t add a huge cost, but it sets the building up for success.” These small decisions can significantly reduce disruption down the line, and show clients that you’re thinking ahead. “The building is always the starting point,” Nelberg says. Consider its age, construction and detailing as these factors will shape what type of insulation options you provide to your client. For instance:
● Victorian homes with ornate exteriors might be better suited to internal breathable insulation; while ● 1980s homes with tired facades can benefit from external wall insulation (EWI) and a fresh look. But it’s never just about the walls. “You have to think about moisture,” Nelberg warns. “Older homes relied on draughts and open fireplaces to manage humidity. Seal everything up without good ventilation and you’ll get mould.” Which is why a holistic approach is vital.
“Modern builds are designed this way. But with retrofits, it needs to be done carefully,” Nelberg says. Forget ROI – sell comfort While rising energy bills have made clients more insulation-aware, Nelberg avoids talking about ‘payback. “Those figures often don’t hold up. Instead, we talk about stability – having a home that stays comfortable, works quietly, and feels better to live in.” He tells of one retrofit project where the client’s energy supplier kept reducing their direct debit. “They’re still on a gas boiler, but the house is set up for low energy use and future upgrades like a heat pump.” Nelberg says one his favourite projects is a full retrofit that his team completed in South London. “The loft was freezing, the conservatory unusable. We made it airtight, installed a full ventilation system, underfloor heating and external wall insulation with a white silicate render and black timber detailing.” It transformed the property from being cold and ordinary into an award-winning. home, Nelberg explains. Thinking about insulation in this way enables builders to lead clients towards a happier home. Having informed conversations about insulation – grounded in how people live – helps clients to unlock their home’s full potential.
Key questions to ask include: ● How’s the house heated? ● Will it be airtight? ● What’s the plan for ventilation?
Core insulation considerations ● Plan roof/eaves to accommodate future external wall insulation. ● Combine airtightness with MVHR or other ventilation strategies. ● Choose insulation based on the building’s fabric and breathability. ● Take a whole-house view: heating, insulation and ventilation all working together. ● Engage the client early to avoid mid-build surprises.
Master Builder 20
www.fmb.org.uk
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker