External Solid Wall Insulation
External wall insulation systems are all very similar, and basically consist of the same elements:
- Insulation layer fixed with adhesive or mechanically fixed to the existing wall
- Reinforced layer of render
- Decorative layer of acrylic, silicone or dash in a range of colours, or brick/stone effect
- Total thickness varies from 50mm to 120mm typically depending on insulation used
The system should be installed by a specialist contractor using certified materials and components. Planning permission may be required in addition to Building Regulations compliance, as the insulation system can radically affect the appearance of a building.
There are many advantages of insulating your solid wall home with External Wall Insulation:
- The insulation acts like a tea cosy, wrapping the building in a thermal layer and keeping your home much warmer in winter, and cooler in summer
- Helps to reduce condensation
- Heating bills can be reduced by up to 35%
- Extends the lifespan of your home, by protecting the outer wall from the elements
- Virtually maintenance free
External wall insulation is not recommended if your outer walls are structurally unsound and cannot be repaired. Any rising damp or penetration damp should be resolved prior to insulation.
Guide price - for one-off private homes, a typical cost would be in the range of £65 - £100m2 (excluding scaffolding, moving rainwater goods, satellite dishes etc) depending on thickness and type of insulation board and decorative finish.
Funding now available, ask for details (grants vary depending on heating type, circumstances of homeowner etc).
Surveyor visits property to assess suitability, paying special attention to window sills (which may need extending), gutters and rainwater pipes, depth of eaves, fittings on exterior such as satellite dish, outside lights, gateposts etc
- Once work commences, scaffolding is erected where property exceeds one storey (including gable ends of bungalows)
- Installers remove fittings as mentioned above (rainwater pipes, satellite dish etc)
- Prepare surface to receive new insulation system, apply fungicidal wash
- Install insulation boards with associated trims to external wall areas
- Apply thin coat render to insulation boards, including re-inforcement mesh – allow to dry
- Apply suitable decorative finish – acrylic, silicone, dash or brick finish – allow to dry
- Re-fix items removed from walls (rainwater pipes, satellite dish etc)
- Dismantle scaffolding and clean area around property
- Final inspection by Manager and occasionally manufacturer
- Guarantee issued by manufacturer
An average installation will take up to 2 weeks including erection and dismantling of scaffolding. The render and finishing processes are weather dependant, and may be delayed in very cold weather, rain or excessively hot weather.
