FAQs: Mica vs Timber Frame Q1: What is mica and why is it a problem in Donegal? Mica is a mineral found in defective concrete blocks. When it absorbs water, it causes the blocks to weaken, crack, and crumble. Thousands of homes in Donegal have been affected, making them unsafe. Q2. Can pyrite also cause
Mica & Pyrite in Donegal: Why Timber Frame with Cement Board is the Safer Choice The mica crisis in Donegal has already devastated thousands of families. Cracked walls, crumbling houses, and lifelong savings destroyed — all caused by defective blocks. Now, questions are also being raised about pyrite and whether it may also be a
🔥 1. Improved Energy Efficiency - Reduces heat loss through the foundation, which is a common source of energy inefficiency. - Helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. - Can lead to lower energy bills. 🌡️ 2. Increased Thermal Comfort -Floors above an insulated foundation feel warmer in
📈 Growth in Popularity As of 2021, timber frame accounted for approximately 48% of all low-rise housing schemes in Ireland, up from 37% in 2019. This growth is driven by factors such as energy efficiency, speed of construction, and reduced carbon emissions . 🌍 International Comparison Despite this progress, Ireland still lags behind countries
Timber Frame Construction is the fastest growing construction method in Ireland; now sharing approx. 50% of the build market! Considering the Government are pushing for more timber frame homes; getting a mortgage on a timber frame in Ireland certainly won’t prove any more difficult to obtain than it would for a standard masonry
In the current climate, 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜-𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙨 With the cost of living increasing there is significant pressure on household incomes The wholesale cost of energy has escalated rapidly in recent months– with providers reaching 40% increases. Timber frame is 4 times more energy efficient than a standard
Donegal's Defective Blocks ‘not caused by mica’; study claims Leading international journal publication suggests the defective blocks scandal isn't in fact Mica - the issue has been caused by pyrrhotite. The peer-reviewed article " The Mica Crisis in Donegal, Ireland – A Case of Internal Sulfate Attack" finds that the geological mineral mica
What Is the Concrete Levy? In September 2022, the Minister for Finance announced the “Concrete Levy” as part of Budget 2023; signed into law of the Finance Act 2022 in December 2022. The introduction of the Concrete Levy stemmed from the need for a redress scheme for homeowners affected by Mica and Pyrite,
Is Timber Frame Really the Way Forward? Thinking of building a new house in Ireland? The advantages of building a timber frame house over the more standard traditional block method are endless. Block may be trying to play catch up in terms of energy efficiency and airtightness, but the speed and precision of
Is a Passive Home Worth It? Passive Homes allow for related energy savings of up to 90% in comparison to traditional methods such as masonry construction. Passive Houses use less than 1.5 litres of oil per square meter of living space per year – much less than other low-energy buildings. Passive Houses are
