Now comprehensively updated and revised, this is a completely authoritative guide on how to look after your old house, whether it’s a timber framed medieval cottage, an eighteenth century urban terrace or an example of Victorian or Edwardian speculative development. Taking its lead from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (who have approved and authorised this volume), the book’s approach is one of respect, restraint and repair rather than ‘restoration’ which can so easily and permanently destroy the rich historical legacy of any old building. Providing richly and deeply informed practical guidance on everything from breathability and damp to structural movement, roofs, windows and doors. This is the essential reading for anyone with an old house in need of any kind of repair or maintenance.  

How can we make old houses energy efficient without devaluing future sustainability? And how can we do so without compromising their appeal and character? This practical and essential guide to retrofitting for energy efficiency seeks to provide answers to this and other questions homeowners of old houses are asking. Whether your house is medieval and timber-framed or a Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian terrace, it can be made more energy efficient and sustainable. This practical, comprehensive and fully illustrated handbook will show you how.  Revised and updated throughout, and with a foreword by Kevin McCloud, Old House Eco Handbook includes chapters on the building envelope; roofs and ceilings; windows and doors; walls; floors; paints; energy, air and water; plus a brand new chapter on retrofit materials. In association with The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, this is a must have for owners of old houses looking to make their homes more energy efficient and sustainable.