Discover expert insights on breathability, airtightness, insulation, and energy-efficient home renovations in Dublin, Ireland. Learn how Summit Matters Ltd can help you create a comfortable, durable home using the right building materials and techniques. Need expert advice on your project? Contact us today to get started!
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. …
Read more “Why We Prefer Woodfiber Insulation (Not Just for Sustainability)”
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 …
Read more “Rising Damp: Is It As Big a Problem As We’re Told?”
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 …
Read more “Restoring Mass Concrete Homes in Ireland: A Practical Guide”
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 …