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DOUBLE GLAZING OR INSULATING WALLS?

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  • 09-03-2020 11:07pm
    #1
    Baseball72
    Registered Users Posts: 185 ✭✭


    Hi.

    My partner owns an old house (circa 1880) - in very good condition. Windows are single glazed (near enough the originals or may have been replaced with similar down the years).
    She has a quote of €9K (they are large windows) and doesnt qualify for any any grants (in full time employment).

    The house can be cold and wonder would insulating the walls be better value for money / more effective, than replacing the windows?

    Thanks for you guidance.


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    #2
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,843 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    so they are wooden windows right? what sort of condition is the frame in? Honestly draught proofing will be the most effective. If you insulate the walls internally, then you need to skim and paint again, sockets effected, all skirting and architraves etc...

    What is the attic insulation like?


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    #3
    Baseball72
    Registered Users Posts: 185 ✭✭Baseball72


    Idbatterim wrote: »
    so they are wooden windows right? what sort of condition is the frame in? Honestly draught proofing will be the most effective. If you insulate the walls internally, then you need to skim and paint again, sockets effected, all skirting and architraves etc...

    What is the attic insulation like?
    yes, wooden windows in very good condition.

    The attic was insulated about 8 years ago - but would need to double check to see how well it was done etc..


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    #4
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,843 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    Baseball72 wrote: »
    yes, wooden windows in very good condition.

    The attic was insulated about 8 years ago - but would need to double check to see how well it was done etc..

    you can get far better single pane thickness insulated glass now to fit these windows to the best of my knowledge. might be worth looking into. Biggest issue with heat loss in such houses typically is draughts...


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    #5
    Baseball72
    Registered Users Posts: 185 ✭✭Baseball72


    Thank you - that is very helpful - will check out the thicker pane insulated glass option.....


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    #6
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,843 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    Baseball72 wrote: »
    Thank you - that is very helpful - will check out the thicker pane insulated glass option.....

    https://www.energlaze.ie/a-new-alternative-to-window-replacement/

    take a look at the likes of this, but if it is a route your partner thinks is worth exploring, come back here and get more opinions or at least read reviews from people who have had this job done


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    #7
    Baseball72
    Registered Users Posts: 185 ✭✭Baseball72


    Thanks - looks interesting.......will study further.


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    #8
    con747
    Registered Users Posts: 5,890 ✭✭✭con747


    Baseball72 wrote: »
    Hi.

    My partner owns an old house (circa 1880) - in very good condition. Windows are single glazed (near enough the originals or may have been replaced with similar down the years).
    She has a quote of €9K (they are large windows) and doesnt qualify for any any grants (in full time employment).

    The house can be cold and wonder would insulating the walls be better value for money / more effective, than replacing the windows?

    Thanks for you guidance.

    Did you look at the S.E.A.I grants available? Plenty of grants for upgrades.

    Don't expect anything from life, just be grateful to be alive.



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    #9
    MicktheMan
    Registered Users Posts: 2,825 ✭✭✭MicktheMan


    Baseball72 wrote: »
    Hi.

    My partner owns an old house (circa 1880) - in very good condition. Windows are single glazed (near enough the originals or may have been replaced with similar down the years).
    She has a quote of €9K (they are large windows) and doesnt qualify for any any grants (in full time employment).

    The house can be cold and wonder would insulating the walls be better value for money / more effective, than replacing the windows?

    Thanks for you guidance.

    Your partner would be best served by first having an in-depth heat loss survey done and then based on the results of the survey target your resources on the elements which are actually losing heat, not on what a glossy brochure or motivated salesman might suggest.


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    #10
    MicktheMan
    Registered Users Posts: 2,825 ✭✭✭MicktheMan


    And only seek grant aid, if available, when you know what the main issues are;)


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    #11
    Yellow_Fern
    Registered Users Posts: 2,578 ✭✭✭Yellow_Fern


    Baseball72 wrote: »
    yes, wooden windows in very good condition.

    The attic was insulated about 8 years ago - but would need to double check to see how well it was done etc..

    A huge percent of attic insulation is done poorly. Its a messy uncomfortable job and hard to do quality control. The ONLY WAY to ensure its done properly is to hire a thermal camera on a very cold morning. Also get a airtightness test. In most cases windows are the poorest return on investment.


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