The Cork window market
Windows and doors aren't directly funded by the SEAI Better Energy Homes individual-measure grants — they're only included in the bundled One Stop Shop deep-retrofit route. But the demand is huge: a 1980s Cork semi-D's single-glazed or first-generation double-glazed windows are usually the largest fabric weakness after attic insulation, and replacing them moves BER ratings meaningfully.
Named installers active in Cork
| Installer | Base | Material range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPS Group | Carrigaline, Cork | uPVC double + triple glazed, A-rated, doors | Multi-measure contractor — windows alongside insulation and building work; showroom in Carrigaline |
| Independent uPVC specialists | Cork city + county | uPVC primarily, some doors | Multiple smaller installers — pricing competitive on simple replacements |
| Aluclad / aluminium specialists | Cork + national | Aluminium-clad timber, slim-frame aluminium | Premium tier — better for architect-led builds and listed properties |
| Timber sash specialists | Cork + Munster | Timber sash + casement, often heritage | For period properties where uPVC is wrong both aesthetically and (sometimes) under planning |
HPS Group — the windows angle
HPS Group (Carrigaline) sells A-rated uPVC double-glazed and triple-glazed windows and doors alongside their insulation services. From their published material: "We supply and install high-standard, air-tight, A-rated uPVC windows and doors to prevent heat loss in homes." They cover Carrigaline, Bantry, Blarney, Clonakilty, Cork City and the wider county. There's a showroom at The Boatyard, Church Road, Carrigaline where you can see installed examples.
Where multi-measure contractors like HPS Group fit: homeowners doing a window replacement plus other fabric upgrades (insulation, doors, exterior work). One contract, one site visit, one warranty per system. Where dedicated window specialists often beat them: pure-window jobs where you want the deepest spec / system selection — some specialists carry 4–5 frame brands; multi-measure contractors usually carry 1–2.
Note: HPSGroup.ie is an independent retrofit guide. Not affiliated with HPS Group (Carrigaline). Their service description above is drawn from their publicly available material.
uPVC vs aluclad vs timber — the choice frame
| uPVC | Aluclad / aluminium | Timber sash | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (per window) | €350–€700 | €700–€1,400 | €800–€2,200 |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 40+ years | 50+ with maintenance |
| Maintenance | Wipe down annually | Wipe down annually | Repaint every 7–10 yrs (timber side) |
| U-value (typical, double-glazed) | 1.2–1.4 W/m²K | 1.0–1.4 W/m²K | 1.3–1.6 W/m²K |
| U-value (triple-glazed) | 0.8–1.0 W/m²K | 0.6–0.9 W/m²K | 0.9–1.1 W/m²K |
| Best for | Bulk replacement, modern homes, value | Modern architecture, large openings, listed-adjacent | Period properties, planning-sensitive areas, conservation |
Triple glazing — when it pays
Triple glazing in Ireland has become standard for new builds (Building Regs Part L now effectively requires it for A-rated builds). For retrofit, the maths is more nuanced. See the triple vs double glazing guide for the full breakdown.
Questions to ask any Cork window installer
- What's the U-value of the window unit you're quoting? Whole-window, not just centre-pane. Centre-pane numbers flatter the spec.
- Is the frame WER A-rated? Window Energy Rating is a UK/Irish standard.
- Argon or krypton fill? Argon is standard; krypton bumps performance but adds cost.
- Warranty: insurance-backed? Frame separate from glass unit? Hardware separate from frame? Read it.
- Will the install include making good — internal plaster, external silicone, sill repair? If not, what's the extra?
- Lead time? Custom-spec windows take 6–10 weeks to manufacture. Stock units faster.
- Do you handle planning where required? Listed buildings, ACA areas, conservation areas in Cork.
The single biggest filter on a window quote
Match the spec to the house. A 1970s semi-D in suburban Cork is a different brief than a Georgian terraced townhouse in Cork city centre. The right contractor in one is the wrong contractor in the other. If your installer is quoting the same uPVC casement for both, walk.