01
Survey first
Understand the existing structure, rain exposure, drainage, leaks, salts, wall materials and ventilation before deciding on insulation. A new lining should not hide an unresolved defect.
PRACTICAL HEMP GUIDES
Can hemp-lime suit an existing home?
Start with the building you have.
Explore the guideYour starting point
Start with the building you have. This is educational planning guidance, not a construction specification.
02
Separate repair from improvement
Water ingress and damaged building fabric need appropriate repairs. Insulation, airtightness and ventilation changes should then be assessed together, particularly where older construction needs specialist conservation advice.
03
Check the complete build-up
A vapour-open material alone does not make an assembly suitable. Existing coatings, junctions, timber ends, openings and the proposed finish affect moisture behaviour. Ask for a project-specific assessment.
04
Choose the team
Bring a designer familiar with the building type together with the system supplier and an experienced installer. Listed buildings and protected areas may require separate consent.
Sources & further reading
Bath: finishes and moisture buffering
Public sources inform this original guide. They do not provide sign-off for an individual project.
FROM CURIOSITY TO A CLEARER BRIEF
What could your home become?
Five simple questions. A useful starting point, not a technical specification.