Fabric Upgrades
The building fabric – including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors and airtightness – plays a fundamental role in determining how much energy a building needs to operate.
At Tipperary Energy Agency, we assess the existing fabric and identify opportunities to reduce heat loss, improve thermal comfort and create a more efficient building.
Whether you are considering a deep retrofit or a medium-depth retrofit, we can help develop a fabric strategy that balances energy performance, capital cost, building condition, operational requirements and long-term objectives.
A well-designed fabric upgrade can also reduce heating and cooling demand, improve the performance of HVAC systems and create better conditions for the future integration of low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps.
How can TEA help?
Our building fabric assessments and retrofit feasibility studies help you determine the most effective and practical way to improve your building’s performance.
We assess the existing building envelope, insulation, glazing, airtightness, ventilation and thermal performance to identify the measures that can deliver the greatest overall benefit.
As part of our building fabric assessment, we can provide:
An evaluation of the existing building envelope and condition
Identification of heat-loss areas, thermal bridges and performance gaps
Assessment of existing insulation, glazing, windows and doors
Consideration of airtightness and infiltration
Energy, carbon and cost analysis of proposed measures
Recommendations for whole-building or individual fabric improvements
Guidance on cost-effectiveness and potential phasing of works
Assessment of how fabric improvements will affect heating, cooling and ventilation requirements
Assessment of ventilation requirements and potential moisture or condensation risks
Our goal is to ensure you invest in the right fabric improvements, at the right scale and at the right time, with a clear understanding of the expected energy, carbon, comfort and financial benefits.
Reduced energy and maintenance costs
Better temperature control and improved thermal comfort
Improved productivity
Lower capital expenditure
Strong long-term investment
Compliance with regulations
Improving your building’s fabric can significantly enhance energy efficiency, comfort and long‑term performance. There are typically two main approaches:
This allows you to address multiple elements of the building fabric at once, maximising energy savings and improving overall cost‑effectiveness. By combining measures, such as installing insulation alongside new windows, you can design a more efficient, integrated solution. This approach also enables the development of an optimised low‑energy heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning (HVAC) strategy, as the improved fabric reduces heat loss and stabilises indoor temperatures.
This focuses on one specific improvement at a time and is the most common type of building upgrade. Typical measures include roof insulation, wall insulation, new windows or draught‑proofing. These targeted interventions can deliver meaningful improvements in comfort and energy performance. However, it is important to consider how each measure interacts with the rest of the building. For example, adding insulation should always be accompanied by a review of ventilation to prevent issues such as surface or interstitial condensation.
Both methods can significantly improve performance, but the optimal solution will depend on your building’s existing fabric, financial constraints and long‑term operational strategy.
Speak to an expert
Looking for the right solution for your facility? Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can support your goals.