SUMMIT GROUP

External Insulation & Thermal Mass Properties of Solid Wall Buildings

by Summit MattersStandards of Building, The Science of Building, Traditional Build Methods December 3, 2025December 3, 2025Comments 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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Restoring Mass Concrete Homes in Ireland: A Practical Guide

by Summit MattersThe Science of Building, Traditional Build Methods March 5, 2025May 29, 20253 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 do February 24, 2025Comments 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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Lets talk about… Building Condensation

by Summit MattersStandards of Building, Summit Group, What we do November 15, 2024November 29, 2024Comments are Disabled

TLDR; If you have condensation issues, throw your windows open in the morning. Vent your house and avoid creating thermal bridging. Talk to us. Complaints and queries about condensation in buildings come in waves. Usually preceeded by a change in the weather.

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