Why new-build homes are better insulated and sound-proofed

Key Takeaways

• New-build homes use highly-efficient insulation as standard.
• Up to 65% more energy-efficient than updated Victorian equivalents.

• Older houses often have cavity walls, which can lead to heat loss.
• New-build homes insulate the cavity space between outside and inside walls.
• This practice significantly improves energy efficiency.

• Proper window insulation is essential.
• New-build homes use enhanced double-glazing to keep heat in and cold out.

• Often overlooked but effective.
• Reduces energy consumption by preventing cold spots.

• Good sound-proofing minimizes external noise.
• Essential, especially in London where neighbours are close.

Insulation and sound-proofing at a glance

Home comforts start with good insulation. The prevention of heat loss can have a big impact on lowering your bills and creating a more desirable living environment. At Barratt London, we use highly-efficient insulation as standard, making our homes up to 65% more energy-efficient than an updated Victorian equivalent.¹

Besides the financial side of things, effective insulation can also help mitigate the levels of external noise. This is especially important in London where you’re likely to be living close to your neighbours. Good sound proofing helps to either eradicate nuisance noise or reduce it to a manageable level.

The problem with cavity walls

Cavity walls are common with older houses. They became popular with housebuilders because they helped prevent moisture and dampness due to the gap between each concrete block or layer of bricks. While this is a benefit, it also means that about a third of all the room’s heat is lost.²

With properly insulated cavity walls, homeowners will save energy and cut costs from heating bills easily. This is done by insulating the cavity space between the outside and inside wall, adding a barrier to stop the cold from coming in and the heat from escaping. This system is now common practice in new-build homes.

Double-glazing that’s doubly efficient

It’s not just the walls that need to be insulated properly – window insulation is just as important because heat can escape through any gap. To ensure our homes are both warm and energy-efficient, we use enhanced double-glazing which allows the heat in and keeps the cold out.³

Making cold spots a thing of the past

Draught-proofing is often overlooked when it comes to insulation designs. But it remains one of the cheapest, most effective ways to save energy in a new home. It’s a form of controlled ventilation to reduce condensation and damp by letting fresh air in when needed, without creating any cold spots that lead to you turning the thermostat up a notch.

According to the Energy Saving Trust⁴, even at lower temperatures, draught-free homes remain comfortable – so you can lower your thermostat and cut those energy costs.

Keeping noise out

Your home should be a haven. A welcoming place of peace and quiet whenever you need it to be. In the capital especially, new-builds need to be able to create this kind of environment so London’s noise levels don’t disturb your chance to sit back and relax.

When used in combination, sound insulation between adjoining properties, high-quality acoustic dampening and sound-insulating materials are critical to achieving this.

The benefits of new-build insulation and sound-proofing are clear. With the rising cost of living, they offer effective ways to lower your energy consumption, increase your comfort level, save on bills and minimise nuisance noise – without needing to alter anything about your home. Why not have a look at what’s on offer right now?

References

1. Indicative figures, based on research from Briary Energy, November 2021
2. https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/cavity-wall-insulation
3. https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/london/sustainability/energy-efficient-homes/
4. https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/cavity-wall-insulation