Internal wall insulation in victorian house

[BettyBoblin]

Moved into our new house, a detached house with solid walls built in 1900, a couple of months ago. The EPC highlighted that wall insulation would save lots of money in energy costs long term so I applied for the government's Home improvement fund grant and have got a voucher. I've chosen a company with a decent reputation and a decent quote but have cold feet as I have read about the effect that wall insulation could have in an old house whose walls are meant to 'breathe'. Has anyone had it done? Were there any problems? Has it helped noticeably with insulation and heating costs?

I don't have any info but I would be wary. I think there are lots of other less harmful things you can do, roof insulation, windows, better boiler etc.

The trouble with EPC tests is that they aren't actually designed for old buildings. I'm quite sceptical of their recommendations.

I think you are right to be wary, yes I agree that internal wall insulation will be a good move but I would look at what your walls are made of first, then how they are finished and whether you have an existing damp proof course and are there currently any damp problems. We have just done this and are currently insulating with cork to allow our walls to breathe as we have no damp course and it is a lime built house.

Have also spent a lot of time considering this, and investigating 'breathable' insulation (such as Pavadentro). I do some work for a voluntary group which offers advice in this area (e.g. see oxoneek.org.uk/2014/09/30/more-information-on-solid-walls/)
You do need to be very careful, and think about the material: if the house is lime built you cannot use regular internal insulation as it will trap moisture.

Thank you. Looks like more research is needed before committing to anything.

there are some websites that particularly deal with looking after period homes and I don't th ink any of them recommend insulating solid brick walls. You are right - they do need to breathe. I have always lived in Victorian or Edwardian houses. If you have original windows get them draft proofed and possibly put up secondary double glazing rather than replace the windows if you can. Make sure you have enough insulation in the loft and fill in any cracks around doors or floorboards. I have found, as getting older, that I do feel the cold more than I did so now have fully fitted carpets downstairs rather than floorboards - which do look lovely but I found very draughty in the end.