External Wall Insulation Whickham

Not many people realise this, but up to 35% of the heat generated by your home is lost through the external walls due to a lack of proper insulation! This astonishing figure will come as a shock to most Whickham homeowners, especially at a time when most are trying to live more sustainable lifestyles and reduce their impact on the environment.

Poor insulation is also bad news for those trying to save money on energy bills; your central heating has to work harder in the winter, and you spend more in summer trying to cool your house down.

At Render Hero, we provide an external wall insulation service that will contribute to lower energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

If you want to know more, check out our external wall insulation guide...

External wall insulation, often abbreviated as EWI, is a process that involves adding an insulating layer to the outside of your existing walls. This improves your home's thermal efficiency, making it more energy-efficient and comfortable. It's particularly beneficial for properties built with solid walls before the 1930s, which typically lack cavity wall insulation.

Because of this, it is often called external solid wall insulation.

Cavity walls - with a gap between the exterior wall and internal wall - didn't really become widespread until the housing boom of the 1950s. Even so, many of these properties lack adequate insulation and suffer from rising damp and condensation problems, even those with cavity wall insulation!

There are several types of exterior wall insulation material currently used in the UK, including:

Mineral Wool Fibre 

Looking for an insulation solution that's kind to the environment and keeps your home cosy? Look no further than mineral wool fibre, also known as Rockwool. Here's why it might be the perfect choice for your home: 

Sustainable 

Made from 98% recycled industrial waste, Rockwool boasts impressive eco-credentials. You can improve your home's energy efficiency while minimising your environmental impact. 

Fire Resistant 

This first-class insulating material is a fantastic fire retardant. It can withstand extremely high temperatures, providing valuable peace of mind in your home. 

Good Sound Resistance 

This versatile material is a brilliant insulator, muffling unwanted noise from outside and creating a more peaceful living environment. 

Flexible and Adaptable 

Unlike some insulation materials, Rockwool can be formed into various shapes and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in your home, from lofts and walls to cavity wall insulation. It comes in handy pre-cut batts for easy installation.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) 

Looking for an insulation solution that's easy on the wallet? Expanded Polystyrene might be the answer. Here's what you need to know: 

• Kind on Your Wallet - EPS is one of the most cost-effective insulation materials available. It's a great choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly way to improve your home's energy efficiency. 
• Keeps the Heat In - EPS boasts good thermal insulation properties. It helps trap heat within your home during winter, keeping you warm and potentially lowering your heating bills. 
• Lightweight Champion - EPS is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to handle and install during your insulation project.   

It's important to be aware that EPS has one potential drawback compared to some other insulation materials: breathability. EPS has a closed-cell structure, which means it allows less air and moisture to pass through. While this can be beneficial in some situations, like preventing moisture build-up in walls, it's something to consider if breathability is a priority for your project. 

XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) 

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has a budget-friendly cousin – XPS, also known as Extruded Polystyrene. While they share some similarities, XPS boasts an extra superpower: superior water resistance. 

Ideal For Damp Environments 

Unlike EPS, XPS has a tighter, closed-cell structure that makes it highly resistant to water absorption. This makes it a fantastic choice for External Wall Insulation (EWI) applications, particularly in areas exposed to high moisture environments. Rain, sleet, or even snow won't compromise its insulating performance. 

Strong Insulation Credentials 

Just like EPS, XPS offers good thermal insulation properties. It helps keep the warmth in during winter, reducing your heating bill.

Shares the EPS Advantages 

XPS benefits from some of the same advantages as EPS, like being lightweight and cost-effective compared to some other insulation materials. 

While XPS offers excellent water resistance, it's still important to ensure proper ventilation and drainage systems are in place for your EWI project. 

Phenolic Foam 

When it comes to external wall insulation, sometimes space is at a premium. That's where phenolic foam steps in, offering a unique solution for tight spots. Here's why it might be the perfect fit for your EWI project: 

• Super-Slim, Super-Insulating - Phenolic foam boasts an impressive feat – it delivers high thermal insulation value with a remarkably slim profile. This means you can achieve excellent thermal performance for your EWI project without sacrificing valuable space, both inside and outside your home. 
• Perfect for Tight Spaces - The slim profile of phenolic foam makes it ideal for situations where thicker insulation materials might pose a challenge. This could be particularly relevant for listed buildings or those with tight architectural constraints. 

Durable and Long-Lasting - Phenolic foam is highly resistant to moisture, fire, and degradation. This ensures your EWI system maintains its peak performance for years to come.

As a professional external wall insulation provider in Whickham, we take pride in transforming homes, making them more energy-efficient and comfortable. Here's a glimpse into the typical EWI installation process:

1. Site Survey and Planning 

• We start with a thorough inspection of the property, assessing the wall condition, measuring dimensions, and identifying any potential challenges. 
• We discuss the chosen insulation material, render or cladding finish, and any additional details with the homeowner. 
• Based on the findings, we create a detailed plan, including material quantities and timeline for the project. 

2. Prepping the Walls 

• We erect scaffolding when necessary (or use mobile working platforms) to ensure safe access to all areas of the external walls. 
• The existing walls are thoroughly cleaned, removing any dirt, debris, or loose material that could affect the installation's integrity. 
• Any minor cracks or gaps in the brickwork are filled and smoothed to create a level surface.

3. Installing the Insulation 

• We use specialist fixings or adhesives to securely attach the chosen insulation boards to the wall. 
• The fixing method depends on the type of insulation material and the wall's condition. 
• We ensure a tight fit between insulation boards to avoid thermal bridging (areas where heat can easily escape). 

4. Base Coat and Reinforcement 

• Once the insulation is fixed, a base coat is applied over the entire surface. This creates a smooth, even layer and provides a base for the render or cladding finish. 
• We might incorporate a mesh layer within the base coat for added strength and stability, especially for thicker insulation systems. 

5. Render or Cladding Finish 

• The chosen render or cladding material is applied to the completed base coat. 
• Render offers a variety of colours and textures, allowing for a decorative touch that complements the property's style. 
• Cladding options like timber, brick slips, or composite panels provide a wider range of design possibilities. 

6. Quality Checks and Finishing Touches 

• Throughout the process, we conduct rigorous quality checks to ensure the EWI system is installed correctly and meets all building regulations. 
• Once the final finish is applied, we remove the scaffolding and clean up the worksite, leaving your home looking neat and tidy.

External wall insulation from Render Hero in Whickham offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve your home's comfort, efficiency, and even appearance. 

Here are the key advantages: 

Energy Savings and Cost Reduction 

• Keeps the Heat In - EWI acts as a thermal blanket for your home, trapping heat inside during winter and reducing heat loss through the walls. This translates to a less reliant heating system and potentially lower energy bills. 
• Reduced Reliance on Heating - By needing to run your heating system less frequently, you'll likely see a noticeable decrease in your energy consumption. 

Increased Comfort and Improved Living  

• A Warmer Home - EWI helps maintain a more consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the year. No more shivering in winter or feeling uncomfortably hot in summer. 
• Reduced Drafts - EWI effectively seals drafts that can make your home feel chilly, even when the heating is on.

Enhanced Weatherproofing and Durability 

• Protection from the Elements - EWI acts as a barrier against wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. This helps safeguard your walls from weather damage and potential cracks. 
• Reduced Risk of Condensation and Damp - By preventing cold spots on your walls, EWI reduces the risk of condensation buildup and damp problems, which can lead to mould growth. 

Improved Aesthetics and Potential Value Boost 

• A Fresh Facade - EWI offers a range of render and cladding finishes that can completely transform the look of your home's exterior. You can choose a style that complements your property's architecture and enhances its curb appeal. 
• Potential Increase in Property Value - A well-maintained and energy-efficient home with a modern EWI system can be more attractive to potential buyers, potentially increasing its value. 

Additional Advantages: 

• Improved Sound Insulation - Some EWI materials can also help dampen outside noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful living environment. 
• Reduced Carbon Footprint - By lowering your energy consumption for heating, EWI can contribute to a smaller carbon footprint and a more sustainable home.

Typical installation costs for external wall insulation in Whickham generally vary between £7,000 and £20,000, depending on the size of the project and the type of EWI material chosen.

While the initial cost of EWI can seem significant, the potential long-term savings on energy bills and the increased comfort of your home can be substantial. Also, you will save money on future external redecoration costs.

Installing external wall insulation generally takes our team between one to two weeks.

It all depends on the size and scale of the project, as well as the type of insulating material chosen. The weather will also play a part, as we may need to postpone and reschedule work during particularly bad conditions.

External wall insulation (EWI) often falls under permitted development, meaning you likely won't need permission for most detached houses. 

Exceptions 

There are some situations where planning permission might be required: 

• Listed buildings - If your property is listed as having historical or architectural importance, any external alterations, including EWI, might need approval to ensure they comply with preservation guidelines. 
• Conservation areas - Properties located within designated conservation areas often have stricter rules regarding external changes. You'll need to check with your local authority to see if EWI requires permission in your area. 

Significant aesthetic changes - Even for non-listed properties, permission might be necessary if the EWI significantly alters the building's external appearance. This could involve factors like the colour, texture, or overall thickness of the insulation system.

Invest in a warmer, more energy-efficient home with Render Hero's expert external wall insulation. Enjoy superior comfort, weatherproofing, and a stunning new look. Contact our Whickham team today for a free quote and transform your home!