Adding outside insulated exterior cladding is a great way to refresh the exterior of your house and save money in future redecoration costs. It also increases the thermal efficiency of your property which will reduce energy bills and help with climate change and environmental sustainability.

But is it right for you? The cost of external wall insulation will vary depending on the type and R-value required and your property. A three-bedroom semi will typically cost PS5,000-9,000 with a detached property in the region of PS8,000-15,000. There are proprietary systems that require professional installation but you can also buy materials from builders’ merchants which can be installed DIY.

The Future of Energy Efficiency: External Insulation Systems Unveiled

The main reason for insulating externally is to improve the thermal performance of your home. This will reduce your heating and cooling costs, making your home more comfortable all year round. It will also regulate internal temperatures, helping to prevent hot or cold spots and keep your home at a more even temperature.

It is important to remember that adding external insulation will increase the thickness of your walls and this will have an impact on the eaves, rainwater downpipes, and services. You may need to modify the roof eaves and extend window sills for example.

The most common type of external wall insulation (EWI) is made up of a 70mm rigid foam insulation board such as Kingspan or Celotex mechanically fixed to the masonry and then clad with a sand and cement render or timber cladding. These insulation boards are ‘closed cell’ meaning that they are impermeable to water vapour which can prevent damp penetration from the inside. However this is not a major issue as long as adequate moisture protection and ventilation measures are in place.