Upgrades to insulation, windows and doors

Ceiling level insulation

If you only use your attic for storage, then it makes sense to insulate it at ceiling level. This means the heat is kept in the rooms below and the attic stays cold. To do this, your contractor will roll a thick layer of insulating material over the attic floor. They will insulate the water tank and pipework to make sure they stay warm. They'll also provide a walkway and ventilation. The ideal thickness of attic insulation is 300mm.

Rafter level insulation

If you use your attic space as a habitable room, then you can insulate at rafter level. This applies to both sloping ceilings and flat roofs. It is usually done with a rigid insulation product.

When insulating an attic, it's important to ensure that proper ventilation is installed. Ventilation prevents moisture build up that could damage your roof structure. Use an SEAI registered contractor for peace of mind that the upgrade is done correctly.

Cavity wall insulation

A cavity wall consists of two rows of brick or concrete block, with a cavity or space between them. Not all homes have cavity walls. If you're unsure, cavity wall insulation contractor can drill a small test hole in your wall to check.

Insulating cavity walls is the most cost-effective way to reduce heat loss, if they are currently uninsulated. Your contractor will drill a series of small holes in the external walls. They then pump insulation into the cavity. Afterwards they'll fill in the holes so they match the rest of the wall.

Cavity wall insulation is the cheapest type of wall insulation. The work can usually be done within a day and does not require access to the inside of the house.

External wall insulation

If you have solid block or concrete walls with no cavity, your contractor may recommend external wall insulation. This is sometimes also known as 'the wrap'. If you have cavity walls, you could combine external wall and cavity wall insulation.

As well as very effectively insulating your home, external wall insulation includes a render which comes in a wide variety of colours and finishes. You get the added benefit of giving your home a fresh new look.

Your contractor will:

• Set up scaffolding for the installation process
• Wrap a layer of rigid insulation around your home
• Fix it to the walls
• Embed mesh in it to provide strength
• Cover it in a render to provide weather resistance

It's worth noting that external wall insulation is generally the most expensive option.

In some cases external wall insulation may require: a)Planning permission. Please check with your registered contractor or local planning authority. b) An ESB Networks service alteration. Please check with your registered contractor and contact ESB Networks if a service alteration will be required. Fees may apply.

Internal wall insulation

Internal wall insulation is an option when you don't have a cavity wall and external insulation is not possible (for protected structures) or is not the best solution. It is sometimes called dry lining.

Internal insulation involves fixing insulation boards to the inside of the external walls. They are then covered with a vapour control layer, plasterboard, skim and new paint. You will lose a small amount of space in the rooms.

Installing internal insulation can be quite disruptive and dusty. It requires the rooms to be cleared. You'll also need to remove skirting boards, electrical sockets and furnishings fixed to the wall. However, it is much cheaper than external wall insulation. It can be a good option if you are planning on re-plastering and re-painting your internal walls anyway.

Energy efficiency features

• There are other features that increase a window’s energy efficiency, such as the use of ‘low-e’ glass or using argon or krypton (inert gases) in the space between the panes of glass. These additional features further improve the U-value performance of the window.
• Frames matter too, as they typically account for 20-30% of the whole window area. Older windows were solid and made from timber or aluminium and then uPVC. Newer frames are designed and manufactured to reduce heat loss through them. 
• High performance windows like triple glazed may reduce the amount of heat you gain coming in from the sun. However, they are more energy efficient overall as they keep the cold out and keep your heat in your home for longer. 

Ventilation

• Ventilation is important to ensure your home is a healthy environment. If there is no ventilation in your rooms, you will need to consider windows with trickle vents to reduce humidity and allow any pollutants to be removed from your rooms. 

Windows and doors grant

SEAI now offer a grant to upgrade your windows and doors. We advise you shop around as it’s always good to get a few quotes. And talk to family, neighbours or friends who may have gotten windows recently, about their experiences.

• Ask your window supplier to provide the windows and doors certification, which is required for the post works BER as part of the grant application. 
• Your contractor will measure the windows and doors that need to be replaced. Once you agree on the specification and costs, the contractor will send the dimensions to the supplier so they can be manufactured. Standard waiting times from order to installation is 6-10 weeks for windows and 4-6 weeks for doors.