Thermcal Ltd - Sustainable Building Consultancy

25/07/2025

25/07/2025

No Road. No Signal. No Problem.

Just back from Murlough Bay, tucked away near Torr Head above Ballycastle — one of the most remote National Trust properties in Northern Ireland.

Getting there involved a ten-minute hike downhill, hauling all the survey gear on foot. Not a car in sight, not a bar of signal, just wind, sea, and silence. But the views? Unreal.

Working with National Trust NI means places like this — rugged, off-grid, full of history and completely worth the effort. - Including the free sheep herding on the way out!

You don’t just survey a building here — you feel part of the landscape.

25/07/2025

https://www.thermcal.co.uk/thinking-about-a-heat-pump-our-new-technical-assessment-service-can-help/

SAP Calculations, SBEM Calculations (Commercial), Energy Performance Certificates, Air Tightness Testing, Thermal Imaging, Extensions

26/05/2025

🌿 When you live this close to the natural environment...
..and you're building to a high-end, architectural spec — every detail matters.

From the sleek glazing lines to the burnt larch timber cladding, this project blends modern rural living with bold design. But behind the visual statement is another layer of performance: enhanced airtightness, improved insulation, low-carbon ASHP heating technology, passive-level triple glazing, and full MVHR ventilation for superior humidity control and air quality.

Out here, wind pressure, rain-driven infiltration, and exposed terrain can quickly undermine comfort and efficiency if the building fabric isn’t on point.

A good energy assessor isn’t just someone ticking boxes — they’re worth their weight in gold when it comes to:

✅ Managing and measuring heat loss before you even consider a heat pump
✅ Ensuring the ventilation strategy aligns with the building’s performance goals
✅ Navigating airtightness vs breathability vs condensation risk
✅ Helping reduce heating loads — not just masking them

Get the envelope right first — and the rest follows.

And what an envelope it is! Currently working on convincing the homeowners to rent it to me for the bank holiday weekend — that view beats anything on Netflix! 😄🌿📺

📍 Bespoke rural home | Northern Ireland
📸 Architecture meets energy performance

26/05/2025

Airtightness Test Complete – Eurospar Moira Road, Lisburn

On-site last week testing the newly built unit on Moira Road — another airtightness pass in the bag ✅
Even got the van cleaned up for the photoshoot!

We also offer small commercial airtightness testing, ideal for retail units, clinics, and more. Fast, efficient and good value.

Whether you're managing the build, designing the spec, or acting on behalf of the client — getting ahead on airtightness doesn’t just help with compliance. It also plays a key role in cutting CO₂ emissions and, importantly, in keeping rising energy and project costs under control.

Have a look at the setup in action! To test such a large open volume of air with a single high powered fan is testament to the contractors high level of workmanship and efforts on the insulation and airtightness barrier.

21/05/2025

🛠️ Sensitive Retrofits for Historic Homes
Because managing a heritage property means thinking beyond compliance.

📍 The Argory, Moy | Crom Estate, Fermanagh

Today we carried out EPC assessments at two of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful and remote National Trust properties — the East Pavilion at The Argory and Corraharra Cottage on the Crom Estate.

With solid stone walls, original sash windows, and off-grid heating systems, these homes are full of history — and full of challenges when it comes to energy performance. That’s where we come in.

💡 At Thermcal Ltd, we provide:
✅ EPCs tailored for listed and traditional buildings
✅ Retrofit advice that respects original character
✅ Condition reports for estate managers, trusts, and strategic planning
✅ Practical recommendations on heating, insulation, and fabric upgrades

📞 Get in touch today to book your survey.
07841573626 | [email protected]

🛠️ From legacy properties to new build low-carbon living — we’ll help you get there.

02/05/2025

📍Mount Stewart, National Trust – Site Visit

It’s not every day we get to work in a place as rich in history and beauty as Mount Stewart. Our team was on site this week carrying out air testing and detailed energy surveys in support of ongoing works at this stunning National Trust estate.

From heritage stonework to complex layouts, historical buildings come with their own challenges – and that’s where we come in. Whether it’s compliance, conservation, or cutting-edge assessment, we tailor our services to suit.

🔍 Airtightness / Ventilation testing
📐 Technical Energy / EPC surveys
🧱 Historic fabric sensitivity
✅ Trusted by the National Trust

At Thermcal, we’re proud to support conservation efforts with technical precision – and just quietly, we love an excuse to visit places like this.

05/02/2025

Who’s fault is this air leak? Plumber? Spark? Plasterboarder? Insulation installer? Laziness? Ignorance? Building Regulations?

This shouldn’t be happening on new homes and passing quality controls.

This is cold air leaking from outside to a point INSIDE the insulation, meaning in theory the insulations not working correctly to do its job - because of unnecessary air leaks.

And bear in mind this house is testing at 3 times better than what the building Regs require so who is really at fault here when contractors are meeting their Obligitary targets.

27/01/2025

Sealing leaks in your home helps keep the heat in and the cold out. When your house loses heat, your energy bills go up and it’s harder to stay comfortable. When energy is expensive, the best form of energy efficiency is to “use less” in the first place.

16/01/2025

Attention private landlords! Struggling to meet MEES requirements? Airtightness testing could be the quick solution to boost your property's energy efficiency! 💨🏡

Available soon to be added to your Energy Performance Certificate!




Read more -here... https://www.thermcal.co.uk/air-pressure-test-existing-dwellings/