Anybody who has been through a renovation or remodelling will understand the importance of proper insulation and draughtproofing – especially when you consider that the average Irish house loses roughly 75 per cent of its heat through its walls and roof. And yet for many, the windows and doors become the first focus, when instead they should be the final piece of the puzzle.
“It’s the visual nature of windows and doors that sees people focus on them first,” explains Brian McIntyre, programme manager with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), “but we know that in a typical house, initially spending money on insulating the roof and walls will result in a better return on energy bills.”
Often in older windows the glass is fine but it’s the openings themselves that have been damaged or become warped and they’re no longer air tight which can result in drafts. So then, when doors and windows become the last piece of the jigsaw, the SEAI windows and doors grant is there.
The grant, which covers a percentage cost of new doors and windows for renovations, is available to homes which meet several criteria, explains McIntyre, all of which are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of older homes.
READ MORE
Barry Shevlin, managing director of Global Home Improvements, also advises reinforcing existing insulation with new windows and doors, saying: “When it comes to reducing heat loss, windows and doors support each other and go hand in hand. While certain types of insulation will have better U-value, if you insulate your walls but don’t change any windows that are older and draughty then you won’t get the full effect of the new insulation.”
U-value refers to how much heat escapes through a part of your home – such as walls, roofs or windows – with lower values indicating better insulation.
While the technical measurement may not mean much to the average homeowner, the real-world impact is clear.
Shevlin points to his customer testimonials that speak to the impact new windows and doors can have on cosiness, comfort and heating bills, saying: “We are constantly getting feedback from our customers to say that their cold, damp home has been transformed and that their new windows and doors have made a real difference to their comfort and also to their bills.”
As to whether you should opt for double- or triple-glazed windows, Shevlin says the cost difference is negligible when compared with the energy savings. “Typically the costs are marginal now between double and triple glazing – a 5 per cent difference. We recommend that all our customers go for triple glazing as the energy savings outweigh the cost difference.”
Global Home Improvements’ 20-year aftercare package is among the best you will find. A long warranty can be a valuable addition to the package, but it is important to understand the terms and any exclusions.
When choosing a supplier it is worth asking questions about whether the installation is handled in-house or subcontracted, and what will be covered by their guarantees and aftercare support (materials and labour).
Window dressing
Like the proverbial chicken and egg, windows and window treatments go hand in hand – and yet so often people mistakenly choose them separately. Fashion Blinds sales manager Lynne O’Toole suggests considering the window dressing early in the process. She has five golden rules for choosing the perfect window dressing for your renovation.
- Blinds shouldn’t be an afterthought – plan early with new windows – especially if you want something specialised such as recessed or motorised blinds. Early planning means better aesthetics.
- When choosing window treatments, think of your aesthetic and overall look. Shutters give a more permanent, high-end architectural feel, while blinds are more versatile and come in a wider range of colours, textures and styles.
- One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing style over function – think of light control, privacy and window operation. Poor placement can make daily use frustrating.
- For high-use areas, blinds made from composite/faux wood are a practical choice. Made from engineered materials, they resist warping, cracking and moisture damage.
- Blinds and shutters can improve insulation and energy efficiency. Cellular blinds trap air in pockets and provide strong insulation; blackout Roman blinds or thermal blinds are made from thicker materials and reduce heat transfer; while shutters form a more solid sealed barrier over the window.
For more information on the show and to register for free tickets, visit idealhome.ie.
