How to Insulate External Walls

Brief 

If you want to cut your energy bills, improve your home’s eco credentials and give its kerb appeal a boost, then an external wall insulation system could be for you.

Insight

The benefits of external wall insulation systems are numerous, so it should come as little surprise that their popularity is on the rise, with both renovators and self builders alike.

Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions from those considering one of these systems to help you understand the difference they could make to your home, both in terms of how well it performs, as well as its appearance.

External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems rely on insulating boards being fitted to the external surface of the vertical walls of a building. They are designed to protect buildings from fluctuating weather conditions, can reduce heat loss and will prevent overheating in the summer months. The best bit? Depending on the scale of the project, these systems can usually be fitted within two weeks.

2. Are They An Effective Way to Lower Heating Bills?

While it might come as no surprise to learn that a well insulated home will cost less to keep warm than one that is uninsulated, it may well come as a shock to learn just how much of a difference a good insulation system will make to your heating bills.

According to Baumit(opens in new tab), specialists in external rendering, façades, insulation and interior paints, by opting for one of their external wall insulation systems, such as the StarSystem EPS or Mineral, you could cut your energy bills by as much as 50%.

3. Can They Be Used on Renovation Projects?

Absolutely — in fact external wall insulation is ideal for older homes. They are especially ideal for homes without a cavity wall. That said, as many systems are designed specifically for use with solid walls, both old and new properties can benefit.