Airtightness Ventilation FAQ's

What is airtightness in a retrofit?

It means reducing uncontrolled air leakage by sealing gaps and junctions around your home — typically around windows, attic hatches, pipework and cables. It helps keep heat in and improves insulation performance.

Why is airtightness important?

Because warm air is expensive to produce — and without airtightness, it escapes through gaps and cracks. Better airtightness means better energy efficiency, lower heating bills and higher BER scores.

How do I know if my home is leaking air?

Common signs include draughts, cold spots near windows or floors, uneven heating, or high fuel bills. We can inspect visually or carry out an airtightness test (blower door test).

Will I need ventilation if my home is airtight?

Yes — every airtight home must be ventilated. Without it, you risk condensation, stale air or mould. We install passive vents, extract fans or trickle vents to manage airflow safely.

What’s the best type of ventilation?

That depends on your home. Trickle vents and passive wall vents work well in most homes. In bathrooms or kitchens, we install humidity-sensing extract fans. In full retrofits, we can discuss mechanical ventilation systems.

Does airtightness qualify for SEAI grants?

Airtightness improvements are typically included in SEAI’s One Stop Shop scheme. We’ll assess your upgrade plan and advise if airtightness or ventilation measures are required to meet grant or BER standards.

Can I improve airtightness without replacing windows?

Yes — most air leakage happens around reveals, pipework and attic junctions. We seal those areas using tapes, grommets and membranes, with or without new windows.

Is this disruptive or messy?

Not usually — the work is clean and internal. We focus on accessible areas and service points, and leave all areas tidy when finished.

Can I do airtightness upgrades one room at a time?

Yes — we can phase the work depending on budget or access. Some homes begin with attic hatches, pipe junctions and key living spaces first.

Will this improve my BER?

Yes — airtightness can have a measurable impact on BER. It also helps other upgrades like insulation or heat pumps perform better, which further improves the rating.