We have always taken our environmental responsibilities seriously and having researched alternatives to commonly available, but damaging phenolic insulation, we installed our first sheep’s wool insulated loft in 2008. Further information on the use of sheep's wool insulation can be found on the 'case histories' page of this web site......
Since then, we have installed wood fibre insulation in many of our projects where our clients were looking for a chemical-free product or wished to reduce the environmental impact of the materials being used in their project. We are able to provide technical data to prove its environmental credentials and heat loss efficiency that meet Building Regulation Standards.
Wherever possible we recycle building materials, carefully matching reclaimed products such as bricks and roofing materials to harmonise with the existing property.
Our waste materials are separated on site and re-cycled where facilities exist. All of our timber joinery products are certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council.
We prefer to use water based and plant derived paints, varnishes, waxes etc.as an alternative to solvent based products where appropriate. We often find they outperform more readily available products with high Volatile Organic Compounds [V.O.C.'s].
By working within our local community of Kings Heath and Moseley, where we have lived for over 20 years, we reduce time spent commuting long distances with the inevitable traffic delays. This also has the benefit of minimizing our fuel consumption. We are on site at 7.30 with tools in hand, ready to start.
Insulation for Homes of the Future
Creating a well-insulated shell is the most fundamental factor in creating a successful new space, be it a kitchen extension, loft conversion or modernisation of an existing space. Wherever possible we strongly advise our clients to make this a priority when embarking on a project to improve their homes. Many of the properties we work on are inadequately insulated and the retro-fitting of insulation solutions forms a considerable part of the work we do.
Heat is lost through the walls, floors, ceilings and windows and we are often approached by homeowners who want to make full use of the rooms that they have but are unable to due to the lack of insulation. This makes their spaces cold, and expensive to heat and can lead to problems with damp and mould. Installing insulation where none was present, upgrading existing insulation and installing double glazing all contribute to creating a warm, comfortable living space and a reduction in energy used to heat the rooms.
We have been told many times by clients that the new, insulated spaces we have created for them are the warmest rooms in their homes during the colder months and provide comfortable, bright living spaces during the summer too. We install a variety of different types of insulation, including standard, readily available phenolic foam boards, fibreglass, wood fibre and sheep’s’ wool.
Environmentally friendly alternatives can be more expensive than the standard foam insulation, however the availability of these products has greatly improved over the years and as a result are becoming more affordable. All forms of insulation provided by Zircon meet, or exceed, current Building Regulations standards for heat loss and fire protection.