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There are many millions of homes in the United Kingdom
today capable of accepting some form of cavity wall
insulation. There are also an equal number of domestic
buildings which are not suitable for wall cavity insulation
and where some form of exterior or interior insulation is
the only solution.
The use of external, rather than internal insulation
offers a number of practical advantages:-
1) There is little or no disturbance to the
occupants and the possible additional cost of temporary
re-housing is avoided.
2) The problems of insulating around or behind
internal fittings eg. in kitchens and bathrooms, but
also cupboards, shelves, power points etc are avoided.
3) Potential cold bridges at all internal/external
wall and ceiling junctions are reduced.
4) In a complex building, it is easier to ensure
that the whole of the external surface is insulated,
thus increasing thermal efficiency.
In addition, there are many thousands of high energy
consuming public sector and commercial buildings, both of a
traditional and system built construction where the
application of exterior wall insulation may be necessary if
the thermal performance of the building is to be brought up
to the current standards, allow the installation of
air-conditioning and to assist in reducing serious decay
from taking place in the fabric of the construction.
Fixing a thermal insulation layer to the exterior of a
building is an extremely efficient method of generally
up-grading performance and habitability. Almost invariably
internal condensation problems are alleviated, and as result
of the increased thermal stability, comfort levels are
improved. The external appearance improves markedly and
whole estates of sub-standard dwellings can undergo a
remarkable face-lift, with all its consequent social and
political benefits. Finally, the whole building obtains an
additional structural protection which may significantly
increase its expected life.
The guide sets out to offer to the specifier or
contractor information that may assist in the installation
of such systems and also points out where difficulties can
be encountered and how to overcome them. Suggestions on
detailing and finishes are also included. The CD
supplement includes many drawings which may be copied or
modified as required for insertion into your own
specification documents. |
