SPECIFICATION GENERATOR
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Mind the Gap Insulation doesn’t just work because it’s there, it works because it’s continuous. Gaps, even tiny ones, can dramatically reduce thermal performance, increase moisture risk, and undermine your airtightness strategy. In both retrofit and new build contexts, overlooking…
Should We Use Brick Creams? When it comes to moisture management in masonry buildings, especially older ones being retrofitted, brick creams are often floated as a go-to solution. They promise a lot: less water getting into your walls, no change…
In sustainable building, insulation often gets the spotlight. It’s what keeps homes warm in winter, cool in summer, and reduces energy bills. But without airtightness, insulation can be wasted. Gaps and leaks in the building fabric allow warm air (and…
When specifiers look at insulation options, PIR often gets the nod for its low thermal conductivity and slim build-ups. But performance on paper rarely tells the full story. At Back to Earth, we find it far more useful to evaluate…
When retrofitting solid wall buildings, especially those using external wood fibre insulation, choosing the right render is crucial. While traditional lime renders still have their place, they’re not always suited to modern performance demands. Silicone render offers a practical blend…
It’s one of the first questions that comes up whenever we talk about wood fibre insulation: how does it perform in a fire? The short answer is – surprisingly well. While it’s true that wood burns, wood fibre behaves in…
When it comes to installing natural insulation systems, one question crops up again and again: Do I need an approved installer? It’s a fair question — especially given the rise of certified schemes and branded training programmes across the construction…
Natural vs Mechanical Ventilation: What Really Works? The idea of ventilating your home naturally – simply opening windows and letting fresh air in – sounds appealing. It’s low-tech, intuitive, and has that wholesome, back-to-basics feel. But in well-sealed, high-performance buildings,…
Can You Partially Insulate a Building? Risks, Strategies, and Best Practice It’s a question that comes up regularly: can you insulate a building in stages, rather than all at once?In short—yes, you can. But the real answer is more nuanced,…
Airtightness, Breathability, and Vapour Control: How to Make It All Work Together When it comes to building performance, few topics generate as much confusion—and controversy – as airtightness, breathability, and vapour control. Can you really make a building airtight an…
Why Do We Insulate Buildings? It might seem like a basic question, but it’s one that’s worth revisiting. Why do we insulate our homes and buildings? While many clients come to us already committed to insulation, the full scope of…
Solid Wall Insulation – Is External or Internal Insulation Better? When it comes to upgrading the insulation of solid-walled homes, one of the biggest decisions is whether to insulate from the outside or the inside. Both external wall insulation (EWI)…