Why Are Traditional Homes So Cold (and What Can I Do About Cold London Houses?)

There’s something undeniably special about London’s period homes. Whether it’s a red-brick Victorian terrace in Highbury, an Edwardian semi in Muswell Hill, or a Georgian townhouse in Islington, these homes exude charm and character that modern houses simply lack. High ceilings, original fireplaces, and decorative mouldings—every detail tells a story. It’s no wonder so many of us fall in love with them.

But there’s one story we all know too well: they’re cold. Often freezing in winter, even with the heating cranked up, you might find yourself piling on socks, laying rugs everywhere, or avoiding that one room that never warms up properly.

So why are these beautiful homes so bad at keeping in the heat? What can you actually do about it? And what's special about the Retrovive system?

The Problem Lies in How They Were Built

Most homes in North and inner London built before the Second World War weren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind. The concept didn’t exist yet. Back then, coal fires heated individual rooms, not whole homes. Builders focused on ventilation and avoiding damp, not on airtightness or insulation.

Here are the main culprits:

1. Solid Walls

Unlike modern cavity walls, traditional homes often have solid brick walls that let heat escape much more easily. Even if you double-glaze your windows, you’re still losing warmth through the walls.

2. Sash Windows and Gaps

We love timber sash windows. However, original ones are rarely airtight. Over time, tiny gaps and cracks let in cold air while allowing warm air to drift out.

3. Suspended Timber Floors

This is the big one, especially on large ground floors. Many period homes have timber floorboards suspended above a ventilated void. Cold air from outside rushes in underneath, making the floorboards icy and the whole room harder to heat.

“We Love the Look, But Not the Chill”

One of our customers in Camden put it perfectly:

"We didn’t want to ruin the character of the house, but we couldn't get warm and comfortable in the living room."

That’s a common theme. People move into these homes for the period details but soon realise they’re paying for style at the expense of comfort. With energy bills remaining high, it’s not just about cosiness; it’s about cost.

What About the Energy Crisis?

The energy price shocks of 2022 and 2023 made many homeowners take a harder look at where their heat (and money) was going. In North London, especially, where the housing stock is older, poorly insulated homes became an obvious weak link.

But most people with cold London houses don’t want to tear down walls or cover up original features. That’s where smart retrofits come in—subtle changes that make a big difference without compromising the home’s charm.

The Hidden Problem Beneath Your Feet

A lot of homeowners don’t realise just how much heat is lost through the ground floor. This can be up to 20%, even when carpet is fitted over the original floorboards. Not only is cold outdoor air blowing directly below the floor, but if you were to add together all the small gaps between the floorboards, it would be like leaving a window wide open—all the time.

So What’s the Solution?

One of the most effective (and least invasive) fixes is underfloor insulation. For traditional homes with suspended timber floors, you can add high-performance insulation between the joists to stop heat loss and cut off those cold draughts from below.

At Retrovive, we’ve built our whole approach around making this as simple and disruption-free as possible. Instead of taking up the entire floor, we work on small sections, carefully lifting boards, blowing in natural insulation snugly between joists, and replacing everything cleanly. We can often complete a whole room in a day, meaning you feel the difference immediately!

The Rise of “Invisible Comfort”

A lot of people are now talking about invisible comfort—retrofit upgrades you can’t see but can absolutely feel. Underfloor insulation is a classic example, along with airtightness improvements and smart ventilation systems.

These aren’t flashy upgrades. But they make your home work better forever. It’s about making your rooms warmer, your heating more efficient, and your home more enjoyable to live in—especially during those long, damp London winters.

The Benefits of Underfloor Insulation

1. Increased Energy Efficiency

Underfloor insulation significantly reduces heat loss. This means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, leading to lower energy bills.

2. Enhanced Comfort

With proper insulation, your home will feel warmer and more comfortable. You can enjoy your living spaces without the chill creeping in.

3. Preservation of Character

One of the best parts about underfloor insulation is that it doesn’t compromise the character of your period home. You can maintain the original features while improving energy efficiency.

4. Environmentally Friendly

By reducing your energy consumption, you’re also lowering your carbon footprint. This is a win for both your wallet and the planet.

Final Thoughts

Yes, traditional London homes are cold, but they don’t have to stay that way. With the right approach, you can keep the features you love and quietly upgrade the parts that are letting you down.

If you’re curious whether underfloor insulation might work in your home, we’d be happy to advise. No sales pitch, just honest advice and practical solutions. To take advantage of our free quote service, just leave your details and we'll be in touch.

Let’s make your period home warm and welcoming!