083 372 4972 | info@greenland.ie | Kilcock, Kildare
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is External Insulation?
External wall insulation is the best way to insulate your walls especially if your house is constructed of cavity blocks or mass concrete.
External Wall Insulation (EWI), which is also referred to as ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) is a method of insulating the outside walls of either a new or existing house. It involves fixing insulating materials such as expanded polystyrene slabs or mineral wool to the outer surface of the walls of a house, usually with a special adhesive and metal or plastic fixings. A base coat embedded with a reinforcing fiberglass mesh is applied to this insulation, and this is then covered with a final finishing render to provide weather resistance. Whilst external insulation is an expensive insulation solution, it can also resolve other issues, such as mould and damp, rain penetration, poor airtightness and frost damage, provided the product used is NSAI Agrément certified. This is also an excellent opportunity to give your home a new look.
2. What are the benefits of External Insulation?
- Your home will heat up quicker and stay warmer for longer
- By reducing heat loss through walls your heating bill will be reduced
- Thermal efficiency of walls can be increased by 85%
- Removal of cold bridges reduces the risk of condensation, damp and mould.
- Interstitial condensation can be eliminated, irrespective of climate conditions
- No loss of internal living space
- Work can be carried out alongside other trades such as window replacement and re-roofing
- Work is carried out to the outside walls, disruption to the household is minimised
- Cover up existing unsightly render / finishes and cracks.
- A weatherproof, attractive and generally maintenance-free new exterior is provided as part of the wall insulation
- Improve your existing Building energy rating
- Avail of the current government grants through Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
- Protecting the planet: insulating your home is an eco-citizen act
- external wall insulation is a great way to boost the efficiency and subsequent value of the property, bringing it in line with new-build standards while also giving it a facelift.
3. What is the advantage of External Insulation over Interior Insulation?
Insulating from the outside has a clear advantage over conventional insulation techniques like dry-lining wall insulation. By insulating from the outside and cutting thermal bridges, the entire building structure is protected from the cold and wet weather, which is not the case with internal insulation.
External Insulation is applied to the exterior walls of your house. You therefore do not lose any living space unlike Thermal Insulation by the Interior.
- Interior insulation causes up to 7% loss of living space.
4. Am I entitled to claim the grant for external wall insulation ?
Most houses are eligible for a grant. Some people may be eligible to have works carried out for free. Here is a link to the grant sections of the Seai website https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/
New Building Regulations (Part L) require that after any alteration to a minimum of 25% of your home’s surface area, your home either achieves a minimum B2 BER rating or your heating system and attic insulation comply with the Building Regulation standards. To qualify for a grant, all works must be undertaken by an SEAI registered Contractor.
5. What is the price of External Insulation per m²?
The price depends on many parameters: choice of system and finish, complexity of the exterior, complete or partial insulation of the house.The price per m² is generally between 100 and 150 € / m².
6. How do I know if my walls are suitable for external wall insulation?
With the exception of timber frame houses most wall types are suitable for external wall insulation.
7. Do I have to leave my house or change my lifestyle during the work?
No. The work is done outside your home. Your family life is therefore not disturbed.
8. How long does External Insulation installation take?
It takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
9. Does External Insulation save energy and money?
Yes, they reduce your energy bill.
- However, the expected level of savings will depend in particular on the insulation performance of other sources of heat loss in your home (window, roof, etc.). You can reduce your energy expenditure by 40%. Each case being specific, it is difficult to say what the savings will be without making a serious energy diagnosis.
10. What is a BER certificate?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate indicates your building's energy performance. It is similar to the energy label for household appliances.
The certificate rates your building on a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and will tend to have the lowest energy bills. G-rated are the least energy efficient.
Your BER is calculated through energy use for space and hot water heating, ventilation, and lighting.
The number of people likely to occupy a building is also taken in consideration. This is based on the average number of occupants in buildings of a similar size.
11. What guarantees are associated with this work?
There is a 10 year Materials Warranty with the Ceresit /Ceretherm system. There is a 2 year Workmanship Warranty in accordance with the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
12. After the insulation is fitted, will my walls will be thicker?
Yes, the walls will be thicker. The increase in the thickness will depend on the target u-value and the conductivity of the insulating materials used, and on the final render finish. Retrofits projects generally use 100mm, 120mm or 150mm insulation.
13. What certification and quality control measures do Greenland Eco Construction Ltd have in place.
Greenland are certified and audited by NSAI. (Nsai registration no. IAB/E394).
- We are registered contractors with the with SEAI who regularly conduct inspections on completed projects. Seai id 16631.
- Greenland has internal Quality control systems in place. Our staff are experienced and highly trained. Our supervisors make sure all work is carried out to the highest standards but to be honest their job is easy because all staff know what’s expected of them and take great pride in their work. The attitude of quality comes from the top down and permeates the company.
- We are members of the CIF.
Contact Greenland Eco Construction Ltd for more Information on our range of Insulation Services.
Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching - C.S. Lewis Quote
Email glen@greenland.ie for a free quote today