Insulation through the ages
Before the advent of civilization people, being comfort-seeking creatures, used many forms of home insulation. The cave was ideal, cool in summer and warm in winter. Early Egyptians fought the oppressive heat of the desert by building thick walls of brick. The ancient Greeks insulated their homes building cavities within the walls. The Romans used the same method.
Insulation serves the purpose to slow the transfer of heat. In summer to keep the heat out, in winter to keep it in.
For Northern Europe good insulation was a matter of survival from ancient times. The Vikings built homes of log, and rough boards. Combining mud with cattle dung proved a strong sealant for drafty cracks. The cold wet stone castles of the wealthy were insulated with large rugs and tapestries into the 16th century.
The colonization of North America saw wide use of adobe and brick by the Spaniards. Cement like adobe (mud and straw) was used to make the bricks, then adobe paste was used to mortar and plaster the thick walls.
With industrialization, poor city dwellers turned to all manner of materials to insulate their tenements. Flour mixed with water might be used to seal cracks; old rags and newspapers to seal gaps. Tin cans were commonly used to cover knotholes.
Recent times have developed new materials for more efficient insulation, but the basics have not changed. Asbestos came into wide use in the 19th century, then was later rejected in the 1970s for its health effects. Wool like fibrous materials made of minerals, or wood, were popular in the 1950s. These were soon replaced by fiberglass, styrofoam, and PVC wrappings, still used in home building today.
Now with energy costs increasing, and concerns over the environment, government and industry are combining efforts to 'go green'.
Insulation and energy efficiency grants are widely available throughout the United Kingdom. Government and power companies are motivated as energy costs continue upward and shortages loom. The schemes vary widely and can be complex, but your long-term savings make the effort well worth it.
The government's Warm Front Programme continues to help people with energy and insulation improvements. In spite of recent cuts, new funding is coming in. The six big energy companies are increasing funding as well.
To check eligibility go to warmfront.co.uk. Also, advisers are ready to assist on 0800 512 012 during regular office hours. And always, your local insulation companies can easy direct and assist with your inquiry. A simple way to determine eligibility is to visit, energysavingtrust.org.uk, and search 'discounts data base'. There you will answer a series of questions before receiving the proper forms.
Insulation serves the purpose to slow the transfer of heat. In summer to keep the heat out, in winter to keep it in.
For Northern Europe good insulation was a matter of survival from ancient times. The Vikings built homes of log, and rough boards. Combining mud with cattle dung proved a strong sealant for drafty cracks. The cold wet stone castles of the wealthy were insulated with large rugs and tapestries into the 16th century.
The colonization of North America saw wide use of adobe and brick by the Spaniards. Cement like adobe (mud and straw) was used to make the bricks, then adobe paste was used to mortar and plaster the thick walls.
With industrialization, poor city dwellers turned to all manner of materials to insulate their tenements. Flour mixed with water might be used to seal cracks; old rags and newspapers to seal gaps. Tin cans were commonly used to cover knotholes.
Recent times have developed new materials for more efficient insulation, but the basics have not changed. Asbestos came into wide use in the 19th century, then was later rejected in the 1970s for its health effects. Wool like fibrous materials made of minerals, or wood, were popular in the 1950s. These were soon replaced by fiberglass, styrofoam, and PVC wrappings, still used in home building today.
Now with energy costs increasing, and concerns over the environment, government and industry are combining efforts to 'go green'.
Insulation and energy efficiency grants are widely available throughout the United Kingdom. Government and power companies are motivated as energy costs continue upward and shortages loom. The schemes vary widely and can be complex, but your long-term savings make the effort well worth it.
The government's Warm Front Programme continues to help people with energy and insulation improvements. In spite of recent cuts, new funding is coming in. The six big energy companies are increasing funding as well.
To check eligibility go to warmfront.co.uk. Also, advisers are ready to assist on 0800 512 012 during regular office hours. And always, your local insulation companies can easy direct and assist with your inquiry. A simple way to determine eligibility is to visit, energysavingtrust.org.uk, and search 'discounts data base'. There you will answer a series of questions before receiving the proper forms.
