Thermal insulation is the reduction of energy used to heat buildings. There are many ways and possibilities to save the energy. However, the most important way is to insulate a building properly. This can be done with many different materials such as foam, adhesives, foamed polystyrene or mineral wool.

Thermal insulation requires the expenditure of large sums of money, nevertheless the cost savings are immediate. The only disadvantage is the fact, that the expenditure is paid back after a few years.

Modernisation works include: insulation of ceilings, external walls, floors, exchange of windows and heating system, and renewal of a ventilation system. Due to thermal insulation of buildings the costs of heating are significantly decreased. Heat loss is the problem of old buildings, usually improperly designed or constructed. The loss is typical for the buildings dating back to 1960s and 1970s. In consequence, thermal insulation was applied both to prefab concrete block of flats and detached houses. Appropriate thermal insulation reduces heating bills in houses and flats.

Modern houses are totally energy efficient. They are properly insulated, have suitable ventilation systems with heat recovery. Most of detached houses are masonry buildings with suitable energy saving wall barriers , properly insulated with mineral wool or foamed polystyrene.

Foamed polystyrene, stone or fibreglass wool. Mineral wool is known as an excellent heat insulator and sound absorber, it is fire resistant, non-absorbent. It can be used to insulate walls, attics, flat roofs. Mineral wool comes in various slab sizes and with different thickness, and is available in three types: soft, medium soft and hard.

your story begins here

Pre-construction / Base stage

This is the organizational stage – the site where the construction is to take place is prepared. Base stage means that the site is fenced and the slab of the structure is established. This is the stage when foundation works and installation of the drainage system are performed. If your project includes basement, its floors, walls and ceilings will be constructed at this stage.

At this moment a surveyor together with the investor mark the site borders and set out the slab. It is also the moment when we organize the delivery of construction materials (hiring trucks etc.)

When this stage is over the works can be interrupted, for example, in case of adverse weather conditions – however, it is essential to leave the site properly protected.

Frame stage

The frame stage means that our dream house has the walls, chimneys, stairs, roof truss and roof covering. There are no windows, doors or partition walls. Sometimes, in order to prevent dampness, during this stage, roof windows and gutters are fixed.

At this stage we work mainly with bricklayers, but also with carpenters and roofers, whose aim is to erect the house frame and build the walls. While working on the frame stage we use construction props, planks or a concrete pump.

The frame stage is the best stage to interrupt the works. Then, all the windows and doors are covered with wooden board or foil.

Enclosed stage

The enclosed stage means that all the woodworks are completed – windows, doors and glazing are fixed. It means that the house is protected against adverse weather conditions, and only finishing works are left to be performed. During this stage partition walls are erected, the roof is covered, gutters are fixed and roof work is completed.

It is estimated that at the enclosed stage 40-50% of all the works are completed.

Practical completion stage

The practical completion stage is the stage when all the works connected with insulation are completed, all the lines are connected. Additionally, at this stage some of the works regarding the space around the house are performed. The works also include: external wall sheeting, which completely protects against adverse weather conditions, chimney finishing, windowsills, drain pipes, finishing external stairs, fixing rails and external windowsills. The practical completion stage means that walls and attic are insulated, and all the systems, rough ins, connections are installed: plumbing, cold and hot water, heating, electricity, telephone and television.

If you are going to interrupt the works at this stage it is important not to leave the house without insulation. Otherwise the vapour barrier (e.g. made of polyethylene foil) whose aim is to protect walls against the weather conditions (especially damp) can be damaged.

Handover stage

This is the final stage of construction. As the name suggests, the building is ready to move into. In Poland the scope of works at this stage is not described authoritatively, and construction companies interpret the term variously. Generally, it is accepted that the handover stage means that all the systems are fitted, the walls are plastered, the fittings (sanitary fixtures) are installed. The stage includes also wall and floor finishing, as well as external and internal woodwork. NB! The handover stage does not mean that the house is furnished and decorated.

The handover stage is the moment when the Construction Inspector is informed about completion of the construction works, which is necessary to obtain a permission to use the building.