The thermal retrofitting of walls, windows and ceilings in traditional Scottish buildings

Abstract

This paper documents research undertaken to evaluate the thermal transmittance of building elements – walls, windows and ceilings – both before and after the addition of insulation in traditionally constructed Scottish buildings. Thirteen different types of insulation (both natural and synthetic) were assessed during the study in a range of buildings. The study found that in each instance where an insulation material was installed, regardless of location and method, an improved U-value of at least 38% was recorded, with a maximum improvement of 88%. On average, solid wall insulation, either applied to the cavity, internal lining, or external face, reduced the U-value by 59%, secondary glazing reduced the window U-value by 75%, and ceiling insulation reduced the U-value by 77%.