How Does External Wall Insulation Work?
Looking to save energy and make your home cozier? External wall insulation (EWI) might be just what you need. It keeps your home's temperature steady, which means lower energy bills. Insulating the outside walls of your house is a great way to improve your living and helps in being more eco-friendly and saving money over time.
What Is External Wall Insulation?
External wall insulation involves adding a layer to the exterior of your home or building for warmth. It acts as a barrier, trapping heat inside and maintaining a comfortable, even temperature indoors. After applying this layer of insulation, it's topped with a weatherproof coating. This step not only enhances the appearance of your building but also reinforces the strength of its external walls.
How Thick Is External Wall Insulation?
The thickness of insulation on a building's external walls varies depending on the type of material used and the desired level of energy efficiency. Thickness of this layer typically ranges from 50mm to 100mm. However, in cases where higher heat retention is needed, the insulation may be applied more thickly. By increasing the thickness, the building retains more heat, leading to greater energy efficiency and warmth.
How Does Exterior Wall Insulation Work?
Putting insulation on the outside walls of a building starts with attaching special boards that keep heat in, right onto the walls. Use metal sealant to attach these boards to any surface. Next, the walls get an extra layer, known as a protective coating or cladding. This helps the walls stand up to different weather conditions, like rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. In some cases, reflective tape 8 is used as part of the insulation system. This tape reflects heat, adding an extra layer of thermal protection and efficiency.
This way of insulating keeps the inside temperature comfortable, and makes the outside of the building stronger and able to handle the wear and tear of different weather conditions. So, insulated buildings stay warm or cool as needed, but they also look good and last longer without needing repairs.
Before And After External Wall Insulation - Is There A Difference?
Before you put insulation on the outside walls of a building, you might notice a few problems. Your energy bills could be high and the temperatures inside might go up and down, making some rooms feel too hot or too cold. Also, you might hear a lot of outside noise, like traffic or people talking.
After you add the wall insulation, things will instantly get better. Your energy bills will go down because the insulation helps keep your home at a steady temperature, so you don't need to use as much heating or air conditioning. The inside of your building becomes more comfortable too, with less hot or cold spots. The insulation helps block out noise from outside, making it quieter and more peaceful inside. Another great thing is that adding insulation can even make your property more valuable. People often like homes that are energy-efficient, so if you ever decide to sell, you might get a better price.
How Much Does External Wall Insulation Cost
The price you'll pay for putting external insulation can change a lot depending on a few things. First, it depends on how big your building or house is. A larger place will need more insulation, which can cost more. Second, the kind of insulation material you choose matters. Some materials are more expensive than others. Third, how hard it is to put the insulation on can affect the cost. If your building has a simple design, it is easier and cheaper to insulate than the one with lots of corners or unusual shapes.
What Is The Exterior Wall Insulation R Value?
The R-value of exterior wall insulation measures its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation is at keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Getting the right R-value is essential because it ensures that your building is using energy efficiently. This means you won't waste more energy and money than you need to.
The ideal R-value for a building depends on its geographic location, climate, and construction type. For example, if you live in a place with freezing winters, you'll want insulation with a higher R-value to keep the heat in. But if you're in a warmer area, you can opt for insulation with lower R-value.
