External Wall Insulation

Are you considering getting your house insulated?

NSAI provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions about external wall insulation, such as:

• What is External Wall Insulation?
• Is it approved?
• Do I need Planning Permission?
• Does it effect the structure of my house?
• Is the roof affected?

What is External Wall Insulation?

Increasing the amounts of insulation in the external walls and roof of a house will improve its energy efficiency and comfort. There are a number of recognised methods for increasing insulation in external walls, one of which is insulating externally.

What is External Wall Insulation?

Increasing the amounts of insulation in the external walls and roof of a house will improve its energy efficiency and comfort. There are a number of recognised methods for increasing insulation in external walls, one of which is insulating externally.

Most commonly known as External Thermal Insulating Composite Systems (ETICS), but also referred to as External Wall Insulation (EWI), or External Insulating Finishing Systems (EIFS), external insulation involves fixing insulating materials such as expanded polystyrene slabs or mineral wool to the outer surface of the walls of a house, usually with a special adhesive and metal or plastic fixings.

A base coat embedded with a reinforcing fiberglass mesh is applied to this insulation, and this is then covered with a final finishing render to provide weather resistance.The overall build-up is illustrated in Figure 1.

There are currently a number of different external insulation systems with different component materials being marketed throughout Ireland.
It is important that the system used is an approved system and that the installer is an approved installer.

Figure 1.

NSAI External Insulation & conforming to standards

Duncan Stewart, About the House, interviews Martin English, NSAI

Homeowner Information Leaflet on External Wall Insulation

The leaflet provides details on:

• Approved Installers
• Suitability of wall types
• Grant availability
• The effect on roof, windows and doors
• The effect on services and ventilation
• Maintenance, BER, Health and Safety

DOWNLOAD NOW by clicking on: Homeowner Information Leaflet on External Wall Insulation