It is equally important to consider how a building will perform in the summer, particularly during the periods of extreme heat that are becoming increasingly common because of climate change.
Traditional buildings are often well equipped to cope with warmer conditions. Their solid, often thick walls have a high thermal mass, meaning they take longer to warm up and cool down, helping to buffer against temperature extremes. They are frequently built directly onto the ground, which maintains a consistently cool temperature, and naturally ventilate through draughts around windows, doors, chimneys and gaps in the building fabric. Many also benefit from mature trees and vegetation, which provide shade and help moderate temperatures.
However, more recent interventions can reduce a building’s natural ability to stay cool, dry and well-ventilated. Examples include windows being painted shut, the removal of shutters and awnings, or the use of synthetic and non-breathable insulation materials. As we retrofit buildings to improve winter comfort, there is also a risk that measures applied in isolation may have unintended consequences in summer. For example, conventional secondary glazing installed in front of unrestored original timber windows can significantly reduce opportunities for crossflow ventilation.
At Mitchell & Dickinson, we take a holistic approach to insulation, ventilation and restoration that works with the building and not against it. By considering each building’s individual characteristics, we achieve a balance between winter warmth and summer comfort while preserving its historic character.
preserving its historic character.
How we can help keep your home or workplace cool in summer and warm in winter
- CozyGlazing, our fully integrated secondary glazing system, does not restrict the operation of your windows, allowing them to be opened fully for natural ventilation
- Window and door restoration and draught proofing enable smooth, reliable operation, making regular ventilation simple and effective
- Loft and room-in-roof insulation using natural materials such as wood fibre and sheep’s wool helps slow heat transfer in summer while retaining warmth in winter
- Sensitively installed mechanical ventilation systems, from smart humidity-controlled fans to MVHR, support cooling strategies and are significantly more cost-effective than air conditioning
- Restored or newly insulated shutters help reduce solar gain while allowing windows to remain open for ventilation
- Specialist ventilation and cooling surveys provide tailored advice where more detailed assessment is required
