External wall insulation (EWI) provides Irish homeowners with a solution to create warmer homes with lower energy costs and better exterior aesthetics. Irish homes, particularly those constructed long ago, experience noteworthy heat losses as their walls are inefficient.
EWI presents an effective solution to wall heat loss issues and simultaneously improves property market value. This guide introduces a comprehensive explanation of external wall insulation, which includes its operational principles, as well as its advantages.
What is external wall insulation?
External wall insulation uses insulation boards attached to building walls and finishes them with protective render and cladding materials. The installation creates an insulating envelope around homes that stops heat loss, which simultaneously boosts their energy savings.
Insulating from outside walls through EWI allows home renovations to occur without touching the indoor living space, thus improving your home’s external insulation efficiency. Properties built with solid walls benefit the most from external wall insulation because they lack the necessary cavity space for conventional cavity wall insulation.
The benefits of external wall insulation
Lower energy bills
Your property walls will retain more interior heat, thus reducing your need to use heating systems. As energy prices constantly rise in Ireland, this improved insulation saves considerable amounts on your monthly energy expenses.
Improved comfort
External Wall Insulation acts as a temperature regulator which maintains consistent heat levels between winter and summer inside your house. The insulation creates a smooth surface which prevents drafts and provides even distribution of heat throughout all seasons.
Enhanced property value and aesthetic appeal
Exterior wall insulation offers you the chance to beautify your home exterior through applied external finishes. The different available finish options for your home include smooth render, brick-effect cladding, and decorative coatings, which allow you to achieve a contemporary, modern design.
Reduced damp and mould issues
External wall insulation creates a thermal barrier and blocks cold surfaces. This prevents moisture condensation, which helps reduce indoor damp and its health issues.
Government grants available
Property owners in Ireland can access financial backing for external wall insulation installation through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. This sustainable addition becomes more affordable due to government grants and its long-term financial advantages.
What does installing external wall insulation look like?
Building external wall insulation requires several installation steps that include:
- First, the walls undergo preparation where exterior surfaces get cleaned before the needed wall repairs are performed.
- Builders apply adhesive and mechanical fixings to the high performance insulation boards for attachment on the wall.
- The installation process starts with mesh reinforcement and base coating to achieve durability and strength.
- A decorative render or cladding installation completes the process by providing a new, fresh exterior appearance to the house.
The time span for a normal project extends to 1-2 weeks, although property dimensions and external weather affect the completion duration.
Final thoughts
Older homes with solid walls can benefit from EWI as a suitable exterior wall insulation solution without requiring interior adjustments. It helps you save more on energy expenses over time while producing aesthetic improvements and improved living comfort. The present availability of grants throughout Ireland makes it an excellent moment to invest in your home’s future.