External Insulation & Thermal Mass Properties of Solid Wall Buildings

by Summit MattersStandards of Building, The Science of Building, Traditional Build MethodsPosted on Comments are Disabled

When upgrading older homes, one of the most effective ways to improve comfort and energy performance is by applying external wall insulation (EWI). Unlike internal insulation, which reduces room sizes and can leave cold masonry behind the insulation layer, external insulation places the thermal envelope on the outside of the house. This means the existing …

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Airtightness in Old Stone Houses in Ireland: How to Improve Without Harming Your Home

by Summit MattersSummit Group, The Science of Building, Traditional Build Methods, What we doPosted on Comments are Disabled

Many Irish homeowners renovating old stone-built houses want to make them warmer and more energy-efficient — but airtightness can be a confusing topic. Traditional stone walls built with lime mortar behave very differently from modern block or timber-frame construction, so they need a more sensitive approach. At Summit Matters Ltd, we specialise in renovating older …

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Why We Prefer Woodfiber Insulation (Not Just for Sustainability)

by Summit MattersSustainability, The Science of Building, What we doPosted on Comments are Disabled

When comparing insulation options, PIR (polyisocyanurate) often looks cheaper upfront. But when we step back and look at the whole picture over a building’s lifetime, woodfiber consistently comes out ahead. Here’s why. 1. True Cost Over Time PIR boards are thin and affordable per square metre, but the story doesn’t end with the purchase price. …

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Rising Damp: Is It As Big a Problem As We’re Told?

by Summit MattersThe Science of Building, Traditional Build MethodsPosted on Comments are Disabled

For anyone owning or renovating an older home in Ireland, few words trigger more anxiety than rising damp. It’s commonly blamed for flaking plaster, musty smells, and crumbling skirting boards. But is rising damp really the silent destroyer it’s made out to be? Or is it a misunderstood symptom of deeper issues — often made …

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Restoring Mass Concrete Homes in Ireland: A Practical Guide

by Summit MattersThe Science of Building, Traditional Build MethodsPosted on 3 Comments

Mass concrete was a popular building method in Ireland from the 1920s to the 1950s, especially in rural areas and for local authority housing. These homes were typically built with thick, solid walls made from concrete poured in sections—without the steel reinforcement we associate with modern concrete. While durable and economical in their time, many …

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breathability, airtightness, building science, energy efficiency, home renovation, Summit Matters Ltd, Dublin Ireland

Breathability vs. Airtightness in Building Science: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

by Summit MattersConstruction Project Management, The Science of Building, What we doPosted on Comments are Disabled

When renovating old homes or constructing new ones, two terms often come up in building science: breathability and airtightness. While they may sound like opposites, they actually work together to create healthy, efficient, and durable buildings. Let’s break them down in simple terms. What is Breathability? In the context of buildings, breathability refers to a …

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