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Improvement measure	Compatibility with traditional building performance	Risk of loss of character	Reasons for caution
Hot water cylinder and pipework insulation			Building fabric can be damaged during installation Old parts of the heating system may be protected by the listing
Draught proofing			In most cases window should be repaired prior to draught proofing Difficult if the windows have moved far out of shape Difficult if the windows are older, metal-framed windows inappropriate if the doors or window are particularly fine or delicate
Loft insulation			It is important that cold loft spaces are properly ventilated - insulation should not block ventililation If the roof space has signs of condensation or water ingress - insulation will be ineffective and may worsen the problem insulation must not be laid over electric cables since they may overheat and cause fire
Cavity fill wall insulation			The risk of damp could be serious in houses with early cavity walls
Solid wall insulation			Treatments are often incompatible with traditional building performance There are very few instances where this will not harm the historic significance or appearance of the wall, either internally or externally the cost is often prohibitive
Double glazing			Will often result in significant change to the appearance of the building, and the irreversible loss of character The works are unlikely to be given consent if building is listed, in a conservation area, or is a traditional building in a national park, area of outstanding natural beauty or world heritage site In rare cases some old windows may have structural role (i.e they support the wall above)
Secondary glazing			Where installation might stop the operation of functional shutters If the secondary glazing will be difficult to open, to clean , or remove (if required) inappropriate where windows are used as emergency exits
Heat control upgrade			Take care not to damage historic fabric when laying new pipe or running wires
Fuel change
Solar water heating			Unlikely to be granted permission if the building is listed, in a conservation area, or is a traditional building in a national park, area of outstanding natural beauty or world heritage site, unless it can be sited unobtrusively If the roofline is deflected

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