Insulate Outside and Enjoy the Benefits Inside

Older houses may have a certain charm about them - but this can wear a little thin as running costs continually seem to rise. Heating older, solid walled houses, even to the minimal level of comfort, is often one of the major household expenses.

One of the reasons why solid walled houses are expensive to keep warm is because up to 50% of the heat is being lost through the uninsulated outside walls, whereas houses built to modern day Building Regulation standards have walls insulated against such heat loss.

In addition to the lack of insulation, the building fabric of older houses can be in a poor state of repair - sometimes even allowing water to penetrate within the property.

Owners of such houses are recommended to find out more about insulated renders and claddings (also known as external wall insulation). It is a refurbishment process, which clads the outer walls for both insulation and renovation purposes, bringing solid walled properties up to the same insulation standard as new homes. A 25% saving against the annual fuel bill is typically achieved and overall comfort is vastly improved. Problems such as damp penetration through the walls, and condensation on the internal walls should be resolved. The reduction in heat loss that follows the application of insulated render or cladding also contributes towards cutting pollution. Government figures show that following treatment, an annual reduction of 690 - 1000 kg of CO2 emissions can be achieved per house.

A further practical advantage of insulated render and cladding/external wall insulation is that it does not occupy valuable living space. In fact rooms that were too cold and damp for much of the year can be utilised after the treatment.

In addition to its insulation and weatherproofing benefits, the aesthetic appearance of the house undergoing treatment can be considerably enhanced. The process is generally a composite system, made up of three basic components - an insulant, a fixing, and a render or cladding, which includes a protective, decorative finish. The process is offered in a range of finishes, textures and colours. Apart from rendered coats, the choice has now widened to take in a variety of commercially available claddings, including lightweight natural stone aggregate, brick, tile, decorative weatherboarding and other finishes.

This well-proven process is now covered under the National House-Building Council (NHBC) insurance policy for conversions and renovations. To qualify, systems have to have been tested to and awarded Agrément or BRE Certificates. Members of the Insulated Render & Cladding Association (INCA) offer Certificated systems, which have been granted a 25-30 year life. Builders and developers registered with NHBC are able to offer their customers and lenders a valuable six year NHBC structural insurance covering the building, as an independent assurance of quality.

An indication of the growing demand for insulated render and cladding is illustrated by the decision of two major building societies - the Abbey National and Nationwide - to offer mortgage facilities for it.

In view of the skill needed to apply the process, it is important that an approved installer, generally a member of the Insulated Render & Cladding Association, is employed. He should ensure that the detailing is professionally executed - finishings around external services, pipework, window sills, flue extensions, etc. Attention to the dpc is important and should be included in the package.

Because it is applied to the outside of the external wall, there is no disturbance whilst the work is in progress. By contrast, where internal linings are applied, this can create disruption, and expensive redecoration of the existing decor becomes necessary.

Insulated render and cladding systems can be applied to the average house in about three working days. They cost from around £60 per square metre applied, dependent on the condition of the exterior surface, detailing and scaffolding requirements. A semi-detached house, with some 80 square metres of walls is likely to cost from £5,000 (five thousand pounds). This becomes particularly economical where your property needs re-rendering or weather-proofing. Property value can increase pro rata and heating costs fall by a few hundred pounds, dependent on fuel used, heating system, etc.

The Insulated Render & Cladding Association is recognised by government as the national trade association for the industry. The Association operates detailed Codes of Practice for its members, governing both the systems used and the method of application. A list of members and free advisory literature on the process is available from the Insulated Render & Cladding Association Ltd at P O Box 12, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3AH (tel: 01428 654011; fax: 01428 651401; e-mail: incaassociation@aol.com)