External Wall Insulation, when used correctly, is one of the most effective energy upgrade measures you can invest in to future-proof your home.
What is External Wall Insulation?
External Wall Insulation, (EWI) also known as “ the external wrap” is a fantastic method of insulation. It significantly improves energy efficiency, and comfort levels and as this method of insulation involves a total wrap of the home, it also upgrades the appearance of your home at the same time.
External Wall Insulation is a method of insulation applied to the exterior of a home. often used to insulate houses that are not suited to Cavity Wall Insulation. ” When used in the right way, External Wall Insulation is one of the most effective energy upgrade measures you can invest in to future-proof your home.” -Martin Mc Carthy, Insulex, Energy Upgrades Specialist
How does External Wall Insulation work?
- External Wall Insulation works by creating a thermal barrier around the building, which reduces heat loss through the walls.
- External Wall Insulation is achieved by attaching insulation boards to the exterior walls of your home. Each slab contains thousands of trapped air pockets which creates a barrier that stops heat from escaping through the external walls of your home.
- The slabs are held in place with fixings, and then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh. It is covered in several protective layers and usually finished with a render coat (an alternative dash option can also be discussed).
External Wall Insulation Process
What are the benefits of External Wall Insulation?
The benefits of External Wall Insulation include
- improved energy efficiency,
- reduced heating costs,
- improves comfort levels in the home,
- increased property value
- helps to protect the building from dampness and mould
- transforms the appearance of the home
How long does External Wall Insulation last?
External Wall Insulation has been installed across Europe for over 40 years, depending on the quality of materials and the insulation process, External Wall Insulation can be considered a lifetime job.
Can External Wall Insulation be used on all types of buildings?
External Wall Insulation can be used on most types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and public buildings depending on the design and materials used. However, it cannot be used on timber frame or steel frame buildings.
How much does External Wall Insulation cost?
The cost of External Wall Insulation can vary depending on the size of the building, the materials used, and the complexity of the installation process.
A site survey to assess the property and measure the home is required to determine the suitability of the home for this type of insulation and to give you an exact quotation for the work. However, the first step would be to have a chat with you and determine to determine the suitability and we can give you also give you an estimate for the work from your Eircode in most cases.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation call, and a member of the team will discuss your project with you and talk you through grant options.
Can External Wall Insulation be applied during the winter months?
External Wall Insulation can be applied during the winter months, but the weather conditions must be suitable for the installation process to ensure that the insulation is applied correctly.
How disruptive is External Wall Insulation while being installed?
External Wall Insulation is actually one of the least disruptive upgrade measures available. Homeowners can stay in the house while the insulation is being installed. As the whole process takes place externally, there is no disruption at all to the family.
How long does it take to install External Wall Insulation?
It can take anywhere from 3 – 6 weeks to wrap the average home. While this may seem like a long time you need to consider, there are a number of different layers and renders that need to be applied and each one requires a specific drying process for optimum performance before the next layer can be applied.
In fact, be aware, if External Wall Insulation is done faster than this, it is actually being done too fast! You must allow each layer and render to dry properly before moving forward.
Is it ever necessary to obtain planning permission or other types of permissions for External Wall Insulation?
In some cases, local council permission is required. For example, if you are installing External Wall Insulation in an older home in the city, some of those properties are very close to the street and could be encroaching onto the footpath, the homeowner would technically need council permission before beginning the work.
Alternatively, if your property shares a boundary line, as is the case with semi-detached homes, it’s best to inform your neighbour of your plans beforehand to clarify the boundary lines and avoid potential issues as the external insulation can extend the blueprint of the building by 4 to 8 inches depending on the requirements of the building. In the case of listed buildings, you cannot change the external facade of the building, so internal dry lining can be the solution in those cases.
Grants for External Wall Insulation in Ireland?
The SEAI offers a substantial grant for External Wall Insulation. This energy upgrade measure is covered under both the One Stop Shop grant and the individual energy upgrade measures. Amounts vary depending on the building type.
Free Home Owners Guide
You can download a copy of our free Home Owners Guide for full details on grant amounts and information on upgrading your home. Click HERE.
