The Hidden Surprises of Older Buildings: What Energy Assessors Need to Know

From solid stone walls and unusual construction methods to hidden alterations and traditional materials, older buildings can hold a few surprises. But understanding how these features influence a property’s energy performance doesn’t have to be scary.

Older and traditional buildings are an important part of the UK’s housing stock, each with their own characteristics and construction methods.

Unlike modern homes, many traditional properties were built using materials and techniques that behave differently when it comes to managing heat, moisture and ventilation.

For energy assessors, understanding these differences is important when assessing a property’s energy performance and considering potential improvements. What works well in a modern home may not always be suitable for an older property.

In this article, we uncover some of the less obvious characteristics of older and traditional buildings, the challenges they can present and why specialist knowledge matters.

We spoke to Simon Flint, Retrofit Scheme Manager at Elmhurst Energy, about what assessors should be looking out for and how they can approach older properties with confidence.

Understanding Traditional Construction Methods

What Makes Older Buildings Different to Modern Buildings?

Older buildings were often constructed using materials and techniques that were well understood at the time but may be less familiar to professionals today.

Building standards and regulations have also developed considerably over the years. As a result, modern properties tend to be more airtight and potentially more energy efficient.

Before cavity walls became commonplace, solid brick was one of the most widely used construction methods. However, even solid brick walls can vary in thickness and appearance.

Stone was also a preferred building material in areas where it was readily available, with its performance influenced by both the type of stone used and the thickness of the walls.

These differences mean that assessors need to understand how an older property was constructed when carrying out an EPC assessment.

When Energy Efficiency Improvements Aren’t So Straightforward

What can go wrong when modern energy efficiency improvements are applied to traditional buildings without understanding how they work?

One of the biggest concerns is introducing products or materials that prevent an older property from behaving as it was originally designed to.

For example, some traditional buildings were designed to absorb moisture and gradually dry out over time. If this natural process is restricted or stopped altogether, i.e., through the introduction of an impermeable membrane, moisture can become trapped, increasing the risk of damp and mould developing within the property.

Therefore, improving energy efficiency isn’t always as straightforward as introducing modern materials or solutions, without understanding how the building works.

What should assessors pay particular attention to when assessing an older or traditionally constructed property?

Wherever possible, assessors should accurately identify and record the property’s construction type, along with any existing ventilation.

Having this information recorded correctly helps ensure that future energy efficiency improvements can be considered sympathetically, taking account of the building’s original characteristics and reducing the risk of unintended consequences.

Building Confidence Through Specialist Knowledge

Where do you think the biggest knowledge gaps are for professionals working with older and traditional buildings?

Some of the main areas where professionals could benefit from developing their knowledge further include ventilation, damp and mould, and older construction materials and methods.

These are particularly important considerations when working with properties that behave differently from modern buildings.

How can specialist training help assessors approach older and traditional properties with greater confidence?

Elmhurst’s Older and Traditional Buildings course allows assessors to build on their existing knowledge and experience, developing a better understanding of traditional construction and the challenges these properties can present.

This additional knowledge can help professionals approach assessments with greater confidence and give them the best opportunity to produce accurate, detailed assessments of older dwellings.

Take the Mystery Out of Older Buildings

Older buildings may have a few surprises hidden beneath the surface, but with the right knowledge, assessors can better understand their construction, recognise potential challenges and make informed decisions.

For those looking to develop their expertise further, Elmhurst’s ABBE Level 3 Older and Traditional Buildings On-Demand Course explores traditional construction methods, building characteristics and appropriate energy efficiency improvements.

Delivered entirely on demand, the course allows assessors to develop their knowledge at their own pace.

This Halloween, we’re offering 30% off the course until 2nd November, giving assessors an opportunity to develop their specialist knowledge for less.