retf:retrofitting

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retf:retrofitting [2026/03/16 16:15] – Simon Grantretf:retrofitting [2026/03/26 18:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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-# Retrofitting & refurbishment+This topic is part of [[gt:buildings|Buildings & construction]]. 
 +====== Retrofitting & refurbishment ======
  
  
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-## What is low-impact retrofitting / refurbishment?+===== What is low-impact retrofitting / refurbishment? =====
  
 Retrofitting is about existing buildings. Not everyone has the opportunity to [build a natural home](http://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/category/natural-building-retrofitting/) from scratch, but we can all take measures to upgrade an existing property - to improve comfort and performance, and reduce energy use and costs, which is what low-impact retrofitting is all about. Only 1% of housing stock is replaced each year. Most is old and very energy inefficient. Retrofitting is about existing buildings. Not everyone has the opportunity to [build a natural home](http://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/category/natural-building-retrofitting/) from scratch, but we can all take measures to upgrade an existing property - to improve comfort and performance, and reduce energy use and costs, which is what low-impact retrofitting is all about. Only 1% of housing stock is replaced each year. Most is old and very energy inefficient.
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 Most people don't really understand the fabric of their buildings, and so we tend to put all the responsibility for a retrofit project onto the builder who gives the quote. It's in your interest to have some knowledge beforehand, or you could end up spending more money than necessary and/or making the wrong decisions. Lack of understanding leaves you open to unwittingly using materials that can be damaging, and require more work (and money) to put right later. Most people don't really understand the fabric of their buildings, and so we tend to put all the responsibility for a retrofit project onto the builder who gives the quote. It's in your interest to have some knowledge beforehand, or you could end up spending more money than necessary and/or making the wrong decisions. Lack of understanding leaves you open to unwittingly using materials that can be damaging, and require more work (and money) to put right later.
  
-### History+==== History ====
  
 In post-war Britain, there was an explosion in products from the petrochemical industry. Pre-war, homes tended to be draughty and damp, and plastics were seen as the solution - wonder products that were light, hard-wearing and waterproof. Petrochemical-based products such as vinyl paints and wallpapers, synthetic sealants and plastic sheeting were used to waterproof our homes, creating unhealthy internal environments due to condensation and mould. The synthetic measures didn't increase the comfort of the property, and created as many problems as they solved. Trapped moisture in houses is unhealthy for people, and moisture trapped in the fabric of the building is damaging for the building itself. Breathability and ventilation are essential ingredients of the retrofit concept. Without them, a building and its inhabitants will suffer. Petrochemical-based products prevent breathability. Also, in the past we have tended to prioritise total draught exclusion without giving enough consideration to ventilation. In post-war Britain, there was an explosion in products from the petrochemical industry. Pre-war, homes tended to be draughty and damp, and plastics were seen as the solution - wonder products that were light, hard-wearing and waterproof. Petrochemical-based products such as vinyl paints and wallpapers, synthetic sealants and plastic sheeting were used to waterproof our homes, creating unhealthy internal environments due to condensation and mould. The synthetic measures didn't increase the comfort of the property, and created as many problems as they solved. Trapped moisture in houses is unhealthy for people, and moisture trapped in the fabric of the building is damaging for the building itself. Breathability and ventilation are essential ingredients of the retrofit concept. Without them, a building and its inhabitants will suffer. Petrochemical-based products prevent breathability. Also, in the past we have tended to prioritise total draught exclusion without giving enough consideration to ventilation.
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-## What are the benefits of low-impact retrofitting?+===== What are the benefits of low-impact retrofitting? =====
  
 The main benefits of a good retrofit are: The main benefits of a good retrofit are:
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-## What can I do?+===== What can I do? =====
  
  
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-## Further resources+===== Forum ===== 
 + 
 +This topic belongs to the section [[gt:buildings|Buildings & construction]]. You can ask questions or add information on the corresponding [Forum section](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/buildings). 
 + 
 +===== Further resources =====
  
 - [Centre for Sustainable Energy](https://www.cse.org.uk/news/what-is-retrofit/) - what is retrofit? - [Centre for Sustainable Energy](https://www.cse.org.uk/news/what-is-retrofit/) - what is retrofit?
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-## Related topics+===== Related topics =====
  
 - [[ensa:Energy saving]] - [[ensa:Energy saving]]
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-## Specialist curators of this topic+===== Specialist curators of this topic =====
  
  
  
  
  • retf/retrofitting.1773677757.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2026/03/16 16:15
  • by Simon Grant