The need to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce fuel poverty has become more pressing than ever. It’s why improvements to a building’s external façade will not only enhance the look and character, it can also dramatically transform its energy efficiency and the living environment for residents. Suzanne Blakley-Taylor of Sika Building Finishing explains why external wall insulation systems are becoming the go-to solution for aesthetically-pleasing energy saving façades.
According to the Energy Savings Trust about one third of all heat lost in an uninsulated home is through a building’s external walls. When faced with spiralling energy costs and to ensure our homes are fit for our future climate challenges, it clearly pays to start with the walls if you want to improve a building’s thermal performance. At the same time, the use of external wall insulation on a home can also offer a wealth of other benefits.
The external aesthetics of a house can be significantly improved when external wall insulation is combined with a modern render. This will not impact the interior space and there is minimal disruption during the application process as work is carried out on the exterior of a property. It’s why wraparound solutions such as Sika Parextherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems will reduce heat loss through the external envelope and ensure a warmer, more comfortable internal environment, whilst creating a more attractive exterior. The improvement in aesthetics is something that internal wall insulation systems simply cannot achieve. Of course, for projects in conservation areas the choice of finish should be considered carefully, however with Sika’s large range of finishes, there is a finish for every scenario.
Furthermore, an external wall insulation system increases the lifespan of the building as it protects the existing substrate through its weatherproofing capabilities and will even provide a level of sound reduction.
Cladding houses with an EWI system can positively impact our individual health by optimising internal temperatures and comfort for occupiers, and by reducing the risk of internal condensation and mould growth. An EWI system will also greatly reduce CO2 emissions by its thermal efficiency promoting health sustainability for the environment.
By reducing the amount of heat escaping through walls, an external wall insulation system can heat homes faster and keep them warmer for longer. An EWI system is a year-round performer, helping to keep dwellings cooler in the summer months.
Swansea social housing
Using this proven method of energy efficiency, there has recently been a programme of work developed to insulate social housing in Swansea. Working with Swansea Borough Council as part of a £58 million, four-year scheme to improve council stock across the city, Sika provided its EWI system as part of a ‘fabric first’ approach. Previously deprived social housing has now been transformed into energy efficient homes with a refurbishment scheme that is going back to basics. The thermal improvements carried out by Sika were completed to such a high standard that the work has garnered the EWI Excellence award from INCA (The Insulated Render and Cladding Association). Whole-home refits like this will make an enormous difference to how much people can enjoy their own homes, feeling warm and comfortable in the knowledge that their bills have been drastically cut.
At a time when our cost of living is spiralling ever upwards and more families are faced with fuel poverty, no one should have to choose between heating their home or feeding their family. We must ensure that homes are built to withstand our future energy challenges and the adoption of a fabric-first approach through solutions such as external wall insulation systems have potential to significantly improve the energy efficiency of a home from the outset. This approach will not only achieve compliance, it will create warmer, more comfortable homes which are cheaper to heat and will look good at the same time.