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Homes aren’t just shelters – they’re sanctuaries where you should feel safe, comfortable and confident. Insulation plays a key role in achieving these goals, but not all insulation is created equal.
Some materials outperform others, which is why it’s important to do your research and select the right type for your walls. This is particularly true for homes with a bit of character, like those built with stone.
Enter breathable insulation. This technology is designed to let homes 'breathe' by allowing moisture to pass through walls and evaporate naturally, rather than becoming trapped within the structure. This characteristic helps to prevent a range of moisture-related issues, including mould, mildew and the deterioration of building materials.
Keen to dive deeper? Let’s explore how breathable insulation works and why it's a smart choice for certain types of buildings, especially older properties that can't rely on modern ventilation systems to stay dry.
To appreciate the benefits of breathable insulation, let's take a quick look at the types of walls it's best suited for. Walls are generally either permeable or impermeable.
Permeable walls, which you often find in older or historic buildings, are designed to let moisture pass through and evaporate. This clever feature is essential for keeping buildings made of porous materials like stone or brick in good shape.
In comparison, impermeable wall materials used in modern builds prevent moisture from passing through. Instead, buildings rely on modern ventilation systems to manage moisture. While effective, good ventilation is often impossible to achieve in older buildings. In these scenarios breathable insulation is a great solution.
Using non-breathable insulation in structures with permeable walls can lead to serious issues. For example, certain types of foam panels or fibreglass can trap moisture within the walls. This is fine if the building has a built-in ventilation system but if not, things can get soggy. Non-breathable insulation can create damp conditions which not only compromises the structural integrity of the building but promotes the growth of mould and mildew.
Living in a damp, mouldy environment isn't just uncomfortable – it's a health hazard. Exposure to airborne contaminants can lead to a host of respiratory issues, trigger allergic reactions and result in other nasty symptoms, especially for those whose immune systems are already on the back foot.
Thankfully, it’s easier than you might think to let your house breathe. Choosing breathable insulation allows moisture to escape, without affecting the internal temperature of the house. Breathable insulation is particularly important for stone walls, which need to shed moisture to stay in good condition.
In many situations, using breathable insulation for stone walls is more than just a choice, it's essential. For instance, owners of heritage buildings are often required to preserve the original materials.
Breathable insulation strikes a perfect balance by enhancing thermal efficiency without compromising the historical integrity and character of the property. When shopping around, look for products that highlight features like permeability or breathability – these keywords indicate the product's suitability for specialised applications.
One solution that stands out in the breathable insulation market is SprayCork. Powered by natural materials, the spray-applied wall coating offers an innovative solution for insulating properties with permeable walls. It boasts up to eight times the thermal performance of traditional renders and is naturally breathable, thanks to its cork composition. This makes it an excellent choice for stone walls.
Here's a closer look at some of the long-term advantages of SprayCork:
SprayCork provides top-notch insulation properties that help regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year. This reduces dependence on home heating and cooling systems, which can slash energy bills over time.
Made from natural cork, SprayCork is a sustainable choice for insulation. It is derived from a renewable resource and is both recyclable and biodegradable. Compared to traditional synthetic insulation materials, the environmental impact of SprayCork is much lower.
By allowing walls to breathe and preventing moisture buildup, SprayCork helps to prevent the growth of mould. This results in cleaner indoor air and a healthier living environment.
SprayCork's insulating properties not only save energy but enhance the overall comfort of your home by stabilising indoor temperatures and blocking external noise.
As a cork render, SprayCork contributes to the overall longevity of the building by protecting the structure from extreme temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure.
SprayCork prevents the buildup of moisture within wall cavities, an issue that can lead to structural damage over time.
Another type of breathable insulation is wood fibre insulation from EWI. This is another solution offered by Total Trades, thanks to us being registered EWI Pro installers. Wood fibre insulation boards from EWI can be paired with a breathable render on the outside of your home to let moisture pass through. Any moisture held by the material is gradually released as temperatures rise, providing optimal building conditions.
The boards lock together with a tongue and groove fitting, which ensures that there are no gaps in your insulation. This eliminates the chance of thermal bridging – where cold spots develop and attract condensation.
From preserving structural integrity and improving energy efficiency to keeping living environments warm, dry and mould-free, the benefits of breathable insulation are tangible. For many homeowners, solutions like SprayCork and EWI wood fibre insulation aren’t just an optional upgrade but the key to maintaining the integrity of buildings, especially those with historical value or unique architectural features like stone walls.
Are you looking to improve the insulation in your home but concerned about breathability? Contact Total Trades today to learn more about how breathable insulation can improve the thermal performance of your home without the risk of moisture buildup.
Our expert team serves customers throughout Doncaster and the surrounding areas – and we’ll only ever recommend the right insulation for your home. Call us on 0333 577 1139 or get a quote online.
