As the economy continues to grow and more people decide to renovate their homes, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI ) is warning consumers to only use NSAI quality certified products and installers when insulating their properties.
Homeowners have spent more than €624 million on renovations and extensions under the Government’s Home Renovation Incentive Scheme since it was introduced in October 2013. That is €6 million a week spent on doing up properties. NSAI certification and inspection officer, Robin Byrne, said he has come across examples of substandard insulation work during his time with NSAI.
He is advising homeowners to use only NSAI quality certified products and installers when trying to achieve a high building energy rating for their home. “It’s vital all energy installers, whether for external insulation, roofing and materials, conform to NSAI standards," Byrne said. "Substandard retrofit insulation can be hugely detrimental, not only to your property, but it could also potentially pose a risk to your health.”
“For example, if insufficient ventilation is provided to the home it can lead to unhealthy living conditions, mould growth, and potentially a build-up of carbon monoxide. Items such as gas and electricity meter boxes and electric cables also require proper attention by the installer. Poor workmanship can also be very expensive to put right, especially in the case of external insulation.
"That is why NSAI is encouraging anyone who is considering getting their home insulated this winter to only use a NSAI registered installer. A full list of registered installers is available on our website NSAI.ie/insulation aspx."
By choosing your contractor carefully and following some simple guidelines, having your home insulated can be hugely beneficial, in terms of reduced heating bills, added value to your home and significantly increased comfort.
NSAI recommends the following steps before deciding on an insulation contractor: Check that the contractor is an NSAI registered installer at www.NSAI.ie/insulation aspx; check that products used are certified by NSAI; check that the contractor is fully insured; check that the contractor is registered with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI ) for grant works; always ask for references and if possible go see completed projects; ask about warranties.
For further information visit NSAI.ie or follow it on Twitter @NSAI_Standards.
