When it comes to improving the insulation of a building, reducing heat loss, and improving the building envelope, external wall insulation is a great option. Buildings constructed before the 1930s typically have solid walls, meaning there are no cavities where insulation can be installed. Thus, insulation must be installed on the exterior of the walls in order to increase the insulation properties of the building – installing External Wall Insulation on the interior would reduce usable space.
Where To Find External Wall Insulation
Our range of external wall insulation boards is available at Insulation Superstore. Choose from the popular Kingspan Kooltherm external wall insulation, Diffutherm insulation, Diffuboard, or Pavatherm insulation boards.
It is not usually possible to do the installation of external wall insulation by a homeowner or DIYer due to the complexity of the process. Moreover, external wall insulation will transform the appearance of your home, meaning you may require planning permission in some cases.
It is a relatively complex process to install external wall insulation. Therefore it is typically carried out by professionals. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the basic steps taken during the installation of external wall insulation.
How To Install External Wall Insulation?
Render test
An external wall insulation test should be conducted before the installation process begins. The existing render should be tested to determine whether it is sturdy enough to support the insulation. When the render is strong enough, it can be easily smoothed so that insulation may be applied directly to it. Before insulation can be installed, all existing render must be removed if it is not strong enough.
Remove And Adjust All Pipework
Following a render test and smoothing down or removing as appropriate, all pipework from the building must be removed before installation can begin. There must also be temporary downpipes installed so that no water runs down the side of the building, and all waste pipes and soil pipes should either be removed or extended away from the walls during the installation process, enabling the building to function normally.
Protect Windows
It is also common for professional companies to apply a protective film to your windows and doors, which prevents them from getting damaged during the installation process.
Fitting A Starter Track
The insulation on exterior walls starts a few inches or feet above the ground instead of reaching the ground. The height at which you want the insulation to begin must be decided before the installation can begin. This is where the aluminum start track, or carrier tray, will be installed once you’ve decided on the height. In addition to creating a level starting point, this can also be used for fitting beads.
Installing Insulation Boards
The insulation boards can then be applied to the walls after the starter track has been installed. Each board is coated in adhesive before being adhered to the wall in a staggered pattern. When they are reached, the insulation boards are cut to fit around windows and other obstructions. Following the installation of the insulation boards, a rasp is used to file off the edges of the boards where necessary to ensure that the surface is completely flat.
Adding Mechanical Fixings
Insulation boards are secured by adhesive as well as by mechanical means. The insulation boards are hammered in with around 10 fixings per square meter to ensure they don’t blow off during unfavorable weather conditions.
The insulation board is a thin, light, and easy-to-handle material. It is commonly used for insulating windows and other building elements. The material can be cut into any shape, making it ideal for many construction projects.
Adding Beading
Insulation corner beads and stop beads are great ways to ensure the insulation is secure around windows, doors, and other obstacles, creating neat and tight edges and preventing the insulation from touching other materials.