LEARN MORE

FAQs

Answers to our most common questions.

What are the benefits of external wall insulation?

External wall insulation significantly enhances energy efficiency, reduces heating and cooling costs, improves indoor comfort, and can update the external appearance of a home.

External wall insulation offers multiple benefits:

Energy Efficiency: By reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, external wall insulation helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, lowering the demand on heating and cooling systems.
Cost Savings: Improved thermal efficiency translates to reduced energy usage, which can significantly lower utility bills. Although the initial investment is substantial, the cost savings over time can be substantial.
Enhanced Comfort: Insulation minimizes cold spots and drafts, leading to a more comfortable living environment year-round.
Noise Reduction: The added layer of insulation can help reduce the transmission of external noise into the home, making it quieter.
Increased Property Value: Upgrading a home with external wall insulation can increase its market value, making it more attractive to potential buyers by improving its energy performance certificate (EPC) rating.
Aesthetic Improvement: Modern insulation systems come with various finishes and colors, offering an opportunity to refresh the home’s exterior look during the insulation process.
Environmental Impact: By decreasing energy consumption, external wall insulation reduces the home's carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.

These benefits make external wall insulation an advantageous choice for homeowners looking to improve their property’s efficiency and comfort.

Is my home suitable for external wall insulation?

Most homes can benefit from external wall insulation, especially those without cavity walls, such as solid brick, solid stone, or concrete panel constructions. However, suitability can depend on the home's current wall condition and any local planning restrictions.

External wall insulation is suitable for a variety of homes, but it is particularly beneficial for buildings with solid walls that do not have cavities, such as older houses built with solid brick or stone. It is also applicable for non-traditional constructions like concrete panels. The key factors in determining suitability include the condition of the external walls (they must be structurally sound) and any architectural features that might complicate the installation, such as windows, doors, and roof overhangs. Before proceeding, homeowners should check for any local planning regulations that might require permission, especially in conservation areas or for listed buildings. Additionally, the external environment and exposure to driving rain or severe weather conditions might influence the choice of materials and the method of installation. Consulting a professional to assess the home’s specific needs and any preparatory work required is crucial for ensuring that external wall insulation is a viable and effective option.

How much does external wall insulation cost?

The cost of external wall insulation typically ranges between £8,000 and £22,000 for an average-sized home, depending on the property size, insulation type, and the complexity of the installation.

The cost of external wall insulation can vary widely based on several factors including the size of the house, the type of insulation material used, and the specific requirements of the installation such as access issues or the need for additional finishes. For an average three-bedroom semi-detached house, costs usually start around £8,000 and can go up to £22,000 or more for larger or more complex projects. This price generally includes the materials, labor, and any necessary scaffolding. It’s also important to factor in potential savings from reduced energy bills and possible grants or government incentives available to offset some of the upfront costs. In the UK, homeowners may also need to consider additional costs for planning permissions if applicable. Investing in external wall insulation not only improves thermal comfort but can also enhance the property's exterior appearance and increase its market value, making it a cost-effective home improvement in the long term.

What is external wall insulation?

External wall insulation involves applying an insulating layer to the outside of a building's walls, followed by a protective render or cladding. This enhances the building's energy efficiency, reduces heat loss, and can improve the exterior appearance.

External wall insulation (EWI) refers to the technique of fitting insulation to the exterior surfaces of a building's walls. This is typically done using materials such as expanded polystyrene, mineral wool, or phenolic foam, which are then covered with a special type of render or cladding to protect the insulation from weather conditions and improve the building's aesthetics. The primary benefits of EWI include significant reductions in energy consumption by keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer, leading to lower heating and cooling bills. Additionally, EWI can help prevent damp issues within the walls, extend the life of the exterior walls by protecting them from the elements, and potentially increase the property's value. This method is particularly beneficial for older buildings that lack cavity walls, providing a retrofit solution that enhances comfort and efficiency without reducing interior space.

Get started with a free no-obligation quote

Family-run business

Insulation experts

Rated 5 stars on Yell.com

GET A QUOTE