External Wall Insulation Textbook

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 or eliminated entirely.

4) In a complex building, it is easier to ensure that the whole of the external surface is insulated, increasing thermal efficiency.

 

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 efficient method of up-grading thermal 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.

 

This 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 including:-

                      Renders, Coatings and Scratch Plasters

      Insulation materials, EPS, Phenolic Foam, Rockwool etc..

The CD supplement includes many drawings which may be copied or modified as required for insertion into your own specification documents.