Homes and global warming

A Traditional Housing Bureau product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Oct 3, 2005

Homes built using new methods of construction may not offer a liveable environment in the future, says the Traditional Housing Bureau.

In the heat of the summer, how comfortable is your home? Homes built using new methods of construction may not offer a liveable environment in the future, says the Traditional Housing Bureau.

There is compelling scientific evidence that the climate is changing, and that average temperatures will increase by several degrees over the coming century.

Under those circumstances, overheating will have a big impact on homes in the UK.

Houses today are built using a number of different methods.

The majority homes are built using concrete block walls, incorporating an insulated cavity and an exterior skin such as brick or insulation and render.

However, houses are also being built using new methods such as timber frame or steel frame construction, with walls built of plasterboard walls.

For a comfortable environment now and in the future, homebuyers should ask what method of construction has been used in a newly built property.

Homes with 'high thermal mass' - those built with heavyweight materials such as concrete - are likely to be more comfortable in the sweltering summers we can expect in the future.

High thermal mass buildings - for example, churches - retain coolness, whereas lightweight constructions - such as caravans - heat up quickly and are then difficult to cool efficiently.