Other Energy Efficiency Measures
Historic England has produced a suite of technical guidance on other energy efficiency measures that can be undertaken in historic and traditionally constructed buildings.
Windows and doors upgraded via draught proofing, secondary glazing or wholesale replacement with double glazing (where appropriate), can support in improving the energy efficiency of a building without being impacted by flood water. Draught proofing, secondary glazing and double glazing to windows and doors cannot only provide an energy efficiency function but they can also slow the passage of water from a flood (except groundwater) entering the building. However, where a flood's height reaches 600mm or more for a long period of time, it is generally recommended that windows and doors are opened to relieve structural pressure on the building and allow the water to flow through the building.
Roof insulation is extremely unlikely to be impacted by flood waters. However, there are situations such as Claverton Pumping Station in Bath, where flood water has reached higher than the eaves of the building. In situations where this is likely to occur, roof insulation is unlikely to be appropriate without wholesale removal to dry or discard the product after a flood event.
This guidance has sought to inform the use of energy efficiency measures in buildings at risk of flooding. When deciding what measures can be undertaken for a building, it is important to consider a whole building approach, whilst also considering what climate change hazards the building is likely to face if we are to lower our carbon emissions and meet Net Zero as a country. Where this is not considered, we will continue to see wholesale removal and disposal of materials that have not reached their life expectancy as they are not appropriate for the situation they were installed in.