Once again, we look set for a long winter as the evenings close in quicker than ever. People are already thinking of stocking up on solid fuel and home heating oil as the extra expense comes to the forefront of people’s minds.
It is a burden that we all endure not only do you spend more on heating your home, but your ESB and other amenities also rise. All this could be reduced with the proper insulation in your home and although the initial outlay may make people hesitate, the savings long term are there for all to see.
There are numerous insulation companies around the country, but there are few that provide the range of services that Tipperary based Leetherm provide.
Situated in Fethard, Leetherm is a nationwide firm that offers honesty, commitment and quality workmanship. This is basically a one-stop shop with regards to the domestic energy environment.
Established in 2008 by Ken Lee, this burgeoning company has adapted and moved with the times having started out initially providing a cavity and attic insulation service as well as external insulation.
Two years later, a plumbing service was also available and then in 2012 full renovation works were being carried out by the firm. All this was happening at the height of a recession and Leetherm Construction Manager Michael Heffernan revealed that it was essential for the survival of the business to be able to diversify during those troubled times.
“Obviously, like everyone else involved in the construction industry, we had a tough few years, but our ability to diversify into other services helped keep the business going and I believe that we are now stronger than we were ever before,” said Michael.
Leetherm’s reputation precedes them now and they have completed projects in every county in southern Ireland.
There are 25 people employed direct, while they also attain a number of sub-contractors on their books. As an approved contractor, Leetherm works closely with the SEAI who provide grants for certain work.
The company have qualified service engineers and registered contract workers working hand in hand to ensure that the customer gets the best service possible.
“Where practicable, we try to provide one point of contact. We always conduct a thorough survey, on which we base our advice on the options open to you. We like to work as the customer’s partner. After all, we are both in this for the long term.”
The services provided by Leetherm include heating & plumbing, insulation, radon testing and solar water heating, all of which have many different aspects to them.
“With a new-build house, it is essential that work on the plumbing and heating proceeds simultaneously with the design. With older houses, there are frequently regulations or sometimes even design features which impede the successful installation of a new and compelling system.”
Michael revealed that when it comes to insulating a house or premises, the first thing is to sit down and discuss your ideas with the contractor.
“We’ll give you information before we even begin to talk about different products. We’ll explain, for example, how methods have changed and why – what’s new on the market and what is not so effective. We’ll talk to you about the risks of over-insulation, about the need for balanced insulation.
“Some people have bought insulation without being fully informed. Others may have made a good first investment to which more can economically be added. In some cases, a complete retro-fit may be the best way forward. We find that just understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the insulation already in your home is the best place to begin.”
There are different types of home insulation. Cavity Wall insulation is a popular choice amongst home owners. “Leetherm is accredited with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (No. 10470). It is vital that anyone who works on your building has such accreditation. We are also a registered installer of Bonded Bead with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (No. IAB/161).
“We specialise in the installation of Envirobead Insulation. Envirobead is an expanded polystyrene material which improves the thermal qualities of the insulation and is environmentally friendly. You can’t get better.”
The process of insulating your attic has changed over the years as now. “We will advise you on what is best for your roof. It may require a rolled fibreglass product, one of several on the market, or alternatively a material which we blow into the attic space to a predetermined depth.”
“Insulation should only be a once-in-a-lifetime investment. You want to get it right the first time. That’s why we attach so much importance to that initial survey and to taking the right decisions on the best information.”
Radon testing is something that not too many people are familiar with but should know the dangers of such a gas. Leetherm provide tester kits for all households.
Solar energy panels have certainly come to the fore in recent years as they are found to be reliable and affordable.
Leetherm specialises in supplying and fitting solar systems. Solar systems involve the conversion of light into heat. A solar heating system normally consists of a solar collector, a controller unit with pump and a well-insulated hot water tank.
The company are currently involved in the ‘Better Energy Community’ run in conjunction by the SEAI and Tipperary Energy Agency and this provides grants for people to insulate their homes.
Leetherm Insulation use the Ceresit External system. They are SEAI and NSAI registered to carry out external wall insulation. NSAI No: IAB/E344. SEAI NO: 10470.
Leetherm,
Fethard,
Co Tipperary
Tel: 052 6131550
Taken from Building Ireland magazine Vol 1 No 2, Winter 2015
