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Draft Prevention

  • 20-10-2009 1:11pm
    #1
    PGL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 762 ✭✭✭


    Hi All

    I live in a 3-bed duplex (2-storey) which was built in 2004. There is no attic, as there is a 2-bed apartment above us.

    Basically we find it very hard to heat the ground floor of the house, so I'm convinced heat is escaping via doors and windows, where I can definately sense drafts at certain times.

    I was meaning to get this issue looked into for the past year or so but had put it on the long finger. Then today I heard an ad on Newstalk for:

    edit - an energy assesment company

    They offer a free home energy assessment.

    I have 2 questions:

    1. Considering that my house is relatively new, and is affiliated to "Homebond", would the builder still be responsible in terms of rectifying any deficiencies?

    2. If the builder is not responsible, then has anyone used edit - an energy assesment company , or can recommend others to assist me?

    cheers

    pms only

    .


Comments

  • #2
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    Homebond will stand over structural and waterproofing defects . Unless the defects are of that nature - which I don't believe they will be - then I don't believe you have a recourse .

    You should seek an air tightness test and thermal imaging survey to identify the air leaks . Silicone seals and/or tapes around windows , cill boards and skirting boards are likely remedies

    Have a read here

    http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/accredconbk.pdf


  • #3
    gears
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 758 ✭✭✭gears


    I know the post refers to drafts but if you're living on the ground floor of a duplex I would think that the most likely loss of heat would be through the ceiling to the apt above. Has this been checked?


  • #4
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    Unlikely . Heat is not "lost" between heated spaces and the op has a definite sense of the direction of heat loss .

    Gaps between units you describe would constitute both a fire and acoustic hazard - you would have a clear sense of such gaps if present


  • #5
    gears
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 758 ✭✭✭gears


    I am aware that heat doesn't simply dissapear (first law of thermodynamics)

    But sensing a draft isn't the same as there actually being a draft. I'm sure we have all noticed that the areas surrounding windows often feel cold, which may be due to drafts but could also be due to the windows simply being colder than the surounding wall area.

    What sinnerboy has suggested regarding air-tightness testing and thermal imaging is the best course of action, but before you invest several hundred euro you could do some simple air-tightness checks. You could use a smoke pencil or even an incense stick around areas where you feel there may be drafts yourself and seal these areas afterwards. If there is a still no improvement, then it' sprobably time to call in the pros.


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