When it comes to boosting your home’s energy performance, your external walls could be costing you more heat than you think. External wall insulation is a simple but highly effective solution to keep warmth in and cold out. In this blog, we’ll break down what external wall insulation is, key benefits, and check if you are eligible for funding.
What is External Wall Insulation?
In homes without insulation, the UK government estimates that roughly a third of heat is lost through the walls. External wall insulation improves a building’s energy efficiency by insulating its external walls to better retain heat. It involves applying insulation and protective layers to the outside walls of a property.
How Does External Wall Insulation Work?
External wall insulation helps prevent heat escaping through your walls. Here’s a simple explanation of how it works:
Creating a Protective Layer: insulation boards are fixed to the outside of your home and then covered with a protective render or cladding. This forms an insulating barrier around the property.
Reduced Heat Loss: this external layer slows down the transfer of heat from inside your home to the outside, helping to keep warmth in during winter and maintain cooler indoor temperatures in summer.
Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency: by preventing cold air from penetrating through the walls and reducing draughts, external wall insulation boosts indoor comfort and reduces the need for constant heating—leading to lower energy bills.
How is External Wall Insulation Installed?
From start to finish, here’s what you can expect during the external wall insulation process with our expert team.
Insulation Material: external wall insulation involves the application of insulating materials onto external walls, which offer high thermal resistance and reduce heat transfer through the walls.
Fixing System: insulation boards are securely attached to walls with mechanical fixings and adhesive, creating a layer of insulation covering the exterior of the building.
Reinforcement: reinforcing mesh is placed into a basecoat of adhesive or mortar and applied over insulation. This strengthens and provides additional support.
Topcoat: after the basecoat cures, a final finishing layer of render or cladding is applied over the mesh to protect the insulation. The topcoat may be customised.
Finishing Touches: any necessary detailing, such as around windows, doors, and other openings, is carefully carried out to ensure a seamless and watertight finish.
Benefits of External Wall Insulation
Installing external wall insulation offers various benefits, including:
Energy Savings: external wall insulation reduces heat loss and keeps your home warmer, resulting in lower energy consumption and heating bills.
Greater Comfort: enjoy a home that stays comfortable with steady temperatures year-round. No more cold spots or draughts!
Weatherproofing: external wall insulation protects your home against wind, rain, and moisture. It prevents dampness and mould.
Aesthetics: external wall insulation gives your property a fresh new look.
Minimal Disturbance: applied with minimal disturbance to your home.
No Floor Space Lost: external wall insulation does not take up any floor space.
Extends Wall Lifespan: protects brickwork to extend the lifespan of your walls.
What is External Wall Insulation Used For?
External wall insulation reduces heat loss through your home’s exterior walls. It can:
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- Minimise heat escaping through solid or uninsulated walls
- Lower your energy usage by reducing the need for constant heating
- Cut down your energy bills by improving thermal efficiency
- Improve indoor comfort by keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer
- Help reduce external noise levels
- Refresh and improve the external appearance of your property with a new render or cladding finish
Could external wall insulation benefit my property?
To determine whether external wall insulation is a good fit for your home, several factors need to be considered—such as the type of wall construction (solid or cavity), the current insulation levels, and the condition of the exterior surface. Our team will carry out a detailed assessment to evaluate your property’s suitability and recommend the best solution based on your specific needs.
Will the external wall insulation need maintenance?
While external wall insulation is generally low-maintenance, regular inspections to look for signs of wear, water damage, or anything unusual like cracks, loose materials, damaged finishes, mould, or gaps and prompt repairs helps ensure its longevity. Ensuring your walls stay free from dirt, leaves, and debris helps preserve them.
How long does external wall insulation last?
With proper installation and upkeep, external wall insulation can have a lifespan of 25 years or beyond.
Will external wall insulation help me save money?
Yes, external wall insulation can significantly save you money on energy bills by reducing heat loss through your walls. This is because EWI improves your home’s thermal efficiency, meaning you’ll need less energy to heat your home, leading to lower heating costs.
What’s the cost of installing external wall insulation?
The cost of installing external wall insulation varies depending on factors like the size of your property, the material required, and the complexity of the installation process. Through our detailed survey and assessment, we deliver a customised estimate based on your property’s specific requirements.
Funding support through UK government grants is available to help cover the cost of external wall insulation.
Making External Wall Insulation Affordable
Government funding is available to help lower the cost of upgrading your home’s walls.
ECO4
The ECO4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation 4) is a government energy efficiency initiative in the UK. It is aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes, particularly for low-income households or those considered vulnerable. The scheme is funded by major energy suppliers, who are obligated to provide financial support for energy-saving improvements.
Properties that qualify can receive grants covering up to the total cost of improvements, including external wall insulation.
LA Flex
LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) builds on the ECO4 scheme. It allows local authorities to broaden the reach of ECO4 to include households that may not be receiving government benefits but still struggle with energy costs or are vulnerable to cold-related health issues.
Great British Insulation Scheme
Focused on homes with the lowest energy performance, the GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) is a government scheme to help reduce bills and improve energy efficiency.
Warm Homes Local Grant
The Warm Homes Local Grant, available in England, offers free energy-saving home improvements through local councils to homeowners and renters living on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.
Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund aims to improve the energy efficiency of social housing in England through the installation of various energy-saving measures across eligible properties.
Am I eligible for a grant?
Curious if you qualify for a grant to help cover the cost of external wall insulation? Use our free eligibility checker to find out, or get in touch with our friendly team for expert advice and support every step of the way.
Ready to Transform Your Home’s Comfort?
Keep your home cosy year-round and save on energy costs with external wall insulation.
Keep your home cosy year-round and save on energy costs with external wall insulation. Contact our friendly team to learn more and see what external wall insulation can do for you.
Email: contact@izenergy.co.uk
Phone: 020 8594 1117
