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Heat paths in a winter house

A house loses heat through its roof, walls, windows, doors and small gaps. Adding thick layers and seals slows that loss and keeps rooms warmer.

In the picture

  1. Loft floor: thick yellow fibre slows heat rising from the rooms below.
  2. Wall cavity: pale foam board blocks heat passing through the outer wall.
  3. Window: two glass panes with a narrow air gap reduce heat escaping.
  4. Door edge: a soft strip closes the gap around the door frame.
  5. Threshold: moving air curls through the remaining gap under the door.

Examples

  • A loft insulated with mineral wool stays warmer on frosty nights.
  • A brush strip under a front door stops cold air blowing into a hallway.

Quiz: Heat paths in a winter house (Age 17)

  1. According to the card, where does most heat escape from a winter house?

    • Mainly through doors and draughts
    • Through the roof, walls and windows
    • Mainly through the floor and foundations
  2. What does the insulation in a wall cavity do?

    • It seals the gap around a door frame
    • It lets heat pass through the outer wall more easily
    • It blocks heat passing through the outer wall
  3. What does the card say sealing gaps and adding insulation do?

    • They only affect the door and threshold
    • They increase draughts through the house
    • They reduce heating needs

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.

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Daily Life, Age 17