Ireland’s Homeowner’s Complete Guide to External Wall Insulation Prices
External Wall Insulation: What Is It?
Installing External Wall Insulation (EWI) is one of the best ways to improve a property’s energy efficiency. External Wall Insulation is different from internal wall insulation as it involves the application of insulating materials to the outer surfaces of the external walls, before applying a protective render or cladding finish. You could think of it as a thermal “jacket” that will continuously insulate your property.
External wall insulation is often the largest upgrade of many houses, particularly older houses with solid walls. In addition to providing a layer of insulation, EWI protects your property from moisture and retains coolness in the house during the summer, as well as preventing unnecessary heat loss during the winter months. Green Energy Homes experts suggest that a properly installed EWI saves energy and enhances a property’s comfort and strengthens it against Ireland’s often unpredictable weather.
What is the value of investing in External Wall Insulation?
In Ireland, external walls with inadequate insulation can have as much as 35% to 40% of heat escape. This means the money that is spent on your heating is being wasted at an alarming rate!
When you invest in External Wall Insulation (EWI), you:
- Keep draughts out and warmth in.
- Reduce your energy use by as much as
- Reduce the carbon footprint of your house.
Increase the Building Energy Rating (BER), improving property values.
Ireland’s Climate Action Plan promotes more energy-efficient homes in the home services sector, and is greatly beneficial to home owners that quickly adapt, resulting in long term benefits, savings, grant aid and comfort.
Understanding Irish External Wall Insulation Prices
“How much is external wall insulation in Ireland?” is one of the most popular questions asked by homeowners.
The following figures are estimates but may vary due to the complexity of the installation, materials and finish. Importantly, Green Energy Homes help homeowners to gain SEAI grants, which can significantly reduce these costs.
What Affects the Price of External Wall Insulation?
There are a number of aspects that will influence the overall investment:
- Size of the Property – Bigger properties need more insulation boards, render and labour hours.
- Type and Thickness of Insulation – Common types include: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) – Affordable and popular choice of insulation.
- Mineral Wool – Provides the best sound insulation and fire resistance.
- Phenolic Boards – Thinner layers and high performance.
- Type of Finish of Render or Cladding – The final appearance of the building will affect the cost of the system. This can be from the simple and plain of textured to coloured renders, brick slips or modern cladding.
- Installation Challenges – Insulating houses with Bay Windows, odd shapes or out-of-reach gables takes longer and may require additional materials.
- Additional Work – The price of the project can increase when there are window sills, downpipes, ventilation ducts, or trims removed and replaced.
- Homeowner Assistance and SEAI Grant Value – The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is able to provide sizable grants under the Better Energy Homes scheme to make the cost of your external wall insulation project even less.
In general the house must have been built before 2011, and the works must be carried out by an SEAI registered contractor in order to qualify.
Green Energy Homes manages this process for clients, ensuring compliance and working to achieve the maximum funding available. This can reduce the upfront costs of cavity wall insulation for many households by 30 to 40%, making it much more financially workable than it otherwise may have been.
Benefits in Addition to Energy Savings!
- Energy cost savings are a great motivator, but external wall insulation (EWI) comes with many other benefits:
- Increased Comfort: The internal temperature becomes stable, eliminating cold spots and draughty walls.
- Less Condensation & Damp: Warmer wall surfaces provide a barrier from dampness for furnishings and people against the growth of mold.
- More Attractive: To provide an instant impact, a new render or cladding enhances a building’s curb appeal.
- Noise Reduction: Ideal for city homes; also provides a sound barrier with the outer layers.
- Weather protection: Houses with insulated walls last longer, because they protect against rain, wind-driven moisture and frost.
- No loss of floor space: EWI does not make a room smaller than internal insulation would do.
Choosing the best insulation option
When making decisions, consider the style of your home, financial situation, and your own objectives; do the following:
- Professional Survey
– A surveyor should evaluate your walls, moisture, and structural needs, before recommending materials.
- Materials
– Choose from phenolic, mineral wool, or EPS, based on your performance and cost expectations.
- Final Choices
– Choose a finish that complements the design of your home – brick slips suit traditional properties & smooth render suits modern construction.
- Installer Details
– Ask your contractor to be SEAI registered at all times, to ensure quality compliance and grant eligibility.
- Long-term Approach
– Consider comfort, energy savings, and value improvements long-term in addition to any costs.
“Homeowners choosing Green Energy Homes are assured professional advice, project management and high-quality workmanship, every step of the way.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the External Wall Insulation Price
Q1: How long does installation take?
– An installation usually takes one-to-three weeks, depending on the home’s size and complexity.
Q2: Can I get SEAI grants for my house?
– Most homes built before 2011 do, if the work is done by a registered installer and complies with BER standards.
Q3: Will external insulation change the way my home looks?
– Yes, but in a positive way – you can choose from the colour and texture of cladding that will enhance curb appeal.
Q4: How long will external insulation last?
– EWI systems will last 30 years if they have been installed and maintained correctly.
Q5: What maintenance do I have to do?
– Very little. Renders
will often just want a clean, and vents and downpipes might need inspection.
Dublin Homes Would Make A Better Investment
Currently, one of the most game-changing home alterations that Irish homeowners can carry out is to add external wall insulation. It provides benefits that will far outlive the purchase cost through reduced heat loss, reduced energy costs and be more comfortable in spaces. Especially now with SEAI grants makes it a better investment.
If you are fed up with cold winters, draughts, and increasing energy costs, now is the time to take action. Receiving personalized advice, high-quality products, project management of grants, and an easy, professional installation from beginning to end all under the professional guidance of https://greenenergyhomes.ie/ .
