Retro-fit draught elimination
Retro-fit draught elimination or retro-fit airtightness is a service that we regularly provide for buildings whose quality of insulation is good but are still impossible to heat most importantly when the heating has been turned off. A mystery building for their owners because the energy ratings of these buildings look very good on paper and for one reason: energy ratings are calculated based on what insulation was used but not on how well the insulation was fitted and so a huge assumption has to be made that every aspect of the building was built perfectly, seamlessly and insulated tight.
When conducting this service we usually begin with a thorough airtightness test which provides an excellent foundation for moving forward. In combination with this, we use thermal imaging to pin point areas of poor insulation quality. We do not go ahead with any improvement works until the recommended improvements are explained in detail to the customer.
The worst performing buildings in Ireland when it comes to draught problems are by far dormer style homes. Due to the way they are constructed with void spaces behind side walls and multi directional roof windows they are very exposed. Dormer buildings can also be unbearably warm upstairs in summer months because of poorly fitted underperforming insulation.
A well insulated, draught sealed, properly ventilated dormer should keep its occupants warm in colder months and just as importantly cooler in summer months when you dont want your roof taking in all that heat.
This is also a service we conduct a lot in older homes with suspended timber floors which are a serious problem especially when the insulation levels in the walls and roof have already been improved.
The draughts under these floors amplify significantly when they become the only weak link remaining in the building. Every product that we use in draught elimination is also a high performance insulation providing two functions seamlessly. We can honestly say that in all our years we have yet to survey a building where the insulation has been correctly fitted in a way that caters for heat loss and draught. You can’t have one without the other. Out of countless hidden areas in you building; let’s take one example;