Dartford 1940’s Prefab House
Rockwool to the Rescue
Like many families across Britain; single mum, Louise, and her son, Thomas, lived in a post-war prefab house that was failing to keep them safe and warm. Built in the 1940’s as a temporary solution to the housing crisis caused by the bombings in the Second World War, the steel structure was only meant to last for 5-10 years. However, in 2011, the home still stands and was creating unnecessary heating costs for Louise and insufficient internal comfort for Thomas, who had recently been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. So, when Rockwool heard the story, we were only too glad to lend a hand.
Energy efficiency saves the day
Louise’s house had little insulation. This, together with the fragile steel structure, meant that heat and energy was easily escaping and her home was not protected from outside unwanted noise. Rockwool’s energy efficiency experts quickly realised that a full range of insulation solutions was needed to keep Louise and her son warm and cosy and bring their heating bills down considerably. These would also create a comfortable and peaceful living environment, particularly for Thomas.
A complete transformation
Central to these plans was Rockwool’s Rockshield insulation which was wrapped around the outside of the house. As well as being effective for energy conservation, the system provides protection to the outside of Louise’s house against the harsh elements. Installed by Rockwool recommended and trained partner, Lawtech Ltd; the coloured render applied over the top of the insulation has provided an attractive exterior to her home.
Louise told Rockwool “My home just feels normal, no hot or cold spots. The temperature inside the house now feels totally even, when before the work, the upstairs used to get really hot and the downstairs really cold making an even temperature impossible.”
In the loft, Rockwool’s RockPrime loose fill insulation was blown in by a specifically manufactured machine. This ensured that there was minimum disruption to Louise and Thomas. The granulate solution offered a speedy alternative to typical loft insulation which comes in rolls - perfect under those with a busy lifestyle looking for a non-disruptive and cheap solution for their loft.
Finally Rockwool’s FlexiTM insulation was used in the internal partition walls to further increase energy efficiency. Its unique flexible edge ensured essential tight fitting to stop heat escaping. This also minimises the spread of sound between rooms, providing a conducive environment for the Kent family to relax and play.
Rockwool’s leading range of products is all made from reusable volcanic rock, which we borrow from nature and return when we’ve finished using it. By installing these on the external walls, as well as in the loft and internal walls; the team managed to turn the drafty 1940’s prefab structure into an energy efficient acoustically sound home, fit for generations to come.
Louise, when asked about the new Rockwool products installed in her new home said “It looks superb, amazing, fantastic – totally transformed our home. The insulation makes our home a lot more comfortable and since the installation, Thomas feels is a lot less affected by the noise from the nearby M25. Our house is now the best on the street!”
Looking to the future
Whilst this insulation was bespoke to Louise and Thomas’s Dartford home, national initiatives have provoked similar measures to be installed up and down the country. The government’s Community Energy Saving Partnership scheme places an obligation on energy companies to help lift areas of low income out of fuel poverty.
As a result, many homes across the UK are being fitted with Rockwool’s insulation systems, providing attractive buildings to lift the residents and the local area. These include an estate in Walsall and the Edward Woods estate in West London.
Furthermore, with the introduction of the Green Deal in 2012 ordinary homeowners like Louise will gain access to government funds. This will enable them, at no upfront cost, to transform their houses into energy efficient homes of the future.
