If you’re planning to make your home more energy efficient and wondering about the real cost of cavity wall insulation in Ireland, this article is definitely going to be really helpful for you.
On average, cavity wall insulation in Ireland costs between €700 and €1,500 for a standard semi-detached home. The final cost depends on your property’s size, wall type, and insulation material used.
If you’re looking to go deeper and really understand what affects that number, this guide by Cool To Be Warm insulation experts will help you explore it all in a straightforward way.
What Is Cavity Wall Insulation and Why Does It Matter?
Cavity wall insulation is the process of injecting insulating material into the space (or cavity) between the inner and outer layers of your external walls. Most homes built in Ireland after the 1930s were constructed with these kinds of walls.
Installing cavity wall insulation helps to reduce heat loss, making your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. For homeowners dealing with rising energy bills, this is often one of the first and most cost-effective upgrades to consider.
It’s not a DIY job. The process involves drilling small holes in the exterior walls, injecting insulating materials like mineral wool, polystyrene beads, or foam, and then sealing the holes.
What’s the Average Cavity Wall Insulation Cost in Ireland?
Here’s a breakdown of typical prices of cavity wall insulation based on property type:
Home Type |
Estimated Cost |
| Apartment (small unit) | €500 – €800 |
| Semi-detached house | €700 – €1,200 |
| Detached house | €1,200 – €2,000+ |
These prices include both labour and materials. Some homes may require additional preparation, especially if there’s debris in the cavity or access issues.
The type of insulation material used—whether it’s pumped cavity wall insulation like polystyrene beads or mineral wool—will also affect your total price.
What Affects the Cost of Cavity Wall Insulation?
Not every home is the same, and that’s why the cost can vary. Here’s what influences the price:
1. Property Size and Type
A detached house has more external walls than a semi-detached or apartment, so it’ll naturally cost more to insulate.
2. Wall Accessibility
If your home is surrounded by trees, fences, or tight spaces, it might take more time and labour to complete the job.
3. Cavity Wall Condition
If your walls are already filled with debris or there’s dampness, these need to be addressed before installation.
4. Type of Insulation Material
Different materials perform differently in terms of thermal performance and cost. Some offer faster installation, while others are better for long-term energy savings.
5. Location of the Property
Labour costs may vary slightly depending on your region within Ireland.
What Types of Cavity Wall Insulation Are Used?
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. The right type of insulation material depends on your home’s structure and goals for energy efficiency.
Polystyrene Beads
These are small, round beads pumped into the wall cavity. They offer excellent thermal performance, are moisture-resistant, and distribute evenly.
Mineral Wool
Also known as rock wool or glass wool, this fibrous material is often used for its fire resistance and insulation properties.
Foam Insulation
While less common, spray foam can be used for injecting insulating material into irregular wall shapes. However, it’s typically more expensive.
Each material comes with different benefits and price points, so make sure the installer explains what’s suitable for your home.
Are There Any Grants for Cavity Wall Insulation in Ireland?
Yes. If you’re looking to reduce the wall insulation cost, the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) offers grants under their Home Energy Grants scheme.
These grants are designed to make wall insulation in Ireland more affordable for homeowners who want to improve energy efficiency.
To qualify, your home must meet certain age and condition criteria, and the work must be carried out by SEAI-registered contractors.
Cavity wall insulation grants can bring your costs down significantly, sometimes covering up to 30–40% of the expense.
Get Free SEAI Grants Consultation
Is Cavity Wall Insulation Worth the Cost?
Most homeowners see a noticeable drop in their heating bills after getting cavity wall insulation.
Depending on your property, you could save €200–€400 a year. That means the installation could pay for itself in just 3–5 years.
Plus, making your home more energy efficient can improve its resale value, make it more comfortable, and reduce your carbon footprint.
So yes—it’s not just about the cost of cavity wall insulation but also the long-term value it brings.
How Is Cavity Wall Insulation Installed?
While you won’t be doing it yourself, it helps to understand the process:
- Inspection: First, the installer will inspect the wall to ensure the cavity is suitable and empty.
- Drilling Small Holes: Holes are drilled at regular intervals across the wall surface.
- Injecting Insulating Material: The chosen material (e.g., pumped cavity wall insulation) is blown or pumped in.
- Sealing the Holes: Once the cavity is filled, the holes are sealed and cleaned up.
It usually takes just a few hours for an average home, and disruption is minimal.
How Do I Choose the Right Installer?
You’re not just paying for material—you’re paying for peace of mind.
Here’s what to look for:
- SEAI-registered professionals
- Experience with injecting insulating materials
- Good reviews and references
- Clear pricing and process explanation
Never go with the cheapest quote blindly. Quality installation ensures long-term thermal performance and avoids problems later.
Conclusion
Cavity wall insulation is one of the smartest investments Irish homeowners can make to reduce heat loss and improve comfort.
The cost of cavity wall insulation in Ireland vary from €700 to over €1,500, is often pays back in just a few years through reduced energy bills, especially when combined with available grants.
If you’re serious about improving your home’s energy efficiency, understanding the costs, materials, and process is the first step toward making an informed choice.
Not sure what type of cavity wall insulation suits your home best?
Reach out to Cool To Be Warm and get clear, honest guidance today.
Common Homeowner Queries
Q. Can I insulate all types of walls?
No. Cavity wall insulation is only for cavity walls, not solid walls. Our professional installers will help you identify this.
Q. Will it cause damp?
Not when installed properly. Issues usually arise from poor installation or existing damp problems in the wall.
Q. What if I already have old insulation?
You may need to have it removed before installing a new system. Some installers offer this as an additional service.
Q. Is it safe and long-lasting?
Yes. Most types of cavity wall insulation are fire-safe, tested, and guaranteed for 25+ years.