External Wall Insulation Ireland
External Wall Insulation (EWI) transforms cold, draughty houses into warm, energy-efficient homes while completely upgrading the exterior appearance. Connect with verified, SEAI-registered installers to secure your home energy grants and request competitive quotes.
EWI Costs & Material Breakdown
The total cost of installing External Wall Insulation in Ireland is typically quoted between €100 and €180 per square metre. This price includes materials, labour, scaffolding, and the finishing render. Median total project costs often range from €10,000 to €25,000 depending on the property size and complexity.
Material Options
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): The most common and budget-friendly option, typically ranging from €50 to €70 per m² for materials.
- Phenolic / PIR Boards: Premium boards offering superior thermal performance with a thinner profile. Ideal when space is restricted, though materials can reach €150+ per m².
- Finishes: Standard silicone render is the most cost-effective. Premium finishes like brick slips or stone-effect cladding will add significantly to your cost per square metre.
2026 SEAI EWI Grant Amounts
To help offset the initial investment, the SEAI provides fixed grant amounts for external wall insulation. To qualify, your home must have been built and occupied before 31 December 2010, and you must use an SEAI-registered contractor.
| Property Type | SEAI Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Detached House | €8,000 |
| Semi-Detached / End of Terrace | €6,000 |
| Mid-Terrace House | €3,500 |
| Apartment | €3,000 |
Why proper installation matters
External insulation works by wrapping your home in a continuous thermal blanket, eliminating thermal bridging and preventing heat loss. If installed incorrectly without proper attention to ventilation, it can trap moisture and cause structural dampness. Our platform verifies that contractors carry the proper insurance and SEAI registration to execute this highly technical work safely.
Trusted by Homeowners Nationwide
"We had our 3-bed semi wrapped last year. The contractor we found on BuildTrade handled all the SEAI grant paperwork for us. The house is completely transformed, both in how warm it stays and how modern it looks from the outside."
"Getting quotes was so easy. We connected with three registered installers, compared their approaches, and picked the best fit. The team arrived on time, managed the scaffolding safely, and delivered an incredible finish."
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