ENERGY SAVING WEEK: October 20-26
GA/10.10.08 MOST 1/3
GOVERNMENT NOW RECOGNISES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION AS THE MOST EFFECTIVE HOME INSULATION
The insulation system that slows down the greatest escape of expensive energy from the home is external wall insulation. It is generally twice or thrice as effective - according to the Government–funded Energy Saving Trust – as cavity wall insulation.
External wall insulation – in the form of insulated render – is used to upgrade properties to current standards of weatherproofing and appearance, and to surpass 2008 energy efficiency guidance.
Most housing would benefit from external wall insulation even where other insulation is installed. Older housing is especially appropriate as much suffers from cold, damp, and condensation – and is expensive to heat.
External wall insulation (e.w.i.) covers the outside walls with thick insulation protected by a decorative render, or brick or tile finish.
Approximately 500,000 UK homes have received this energy efficient and weather-resistant treatment. On the Continent millions of homes have been built or renovated in this way.
It is also a better alternative to renewing worn render, or to re-pointing brickwork. An insulated render system, or a brick slip insulated system will provide energy saving and other advantages over standard renewal. Meanwhile Building Regulations now require thermal upgrading where walls require substantial overhaul to meet or exceed modern standards of thermal insulation.
E.w.i. can achieve much higher wall insulation values than other insulation methods. It can copy Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and modern house designs. Tired buildings can be brought up to modern day standards of thermal performance, weatherproofing, and appearance. Property life is extended and values improved. Heating demand is substantially reduced – and any replacement heating system can be of smaller capacity.
Expect costs to be at least £4000 for a three-bedroom semi detached property – but where renovation work is obviously needed the marginal extra cost falls considerably. Property value can increase pro rata and heating costs fall by a few hundred pounds, dependent on fuel used, heating system, etc.
Applying an e.w.i. system is sound economics for housing that needs updating: and a good feasible option for most other housing. Insurance-backed guarantees are available. Finance may be available from mortgage lenders particularly via green mortgages, and there are restricted and limited grants from energy retailers, particularly for housing off the gas network and where State benefits are received.
It is important to insist upon tried and tested British Board of Agrément or Building Research Establishment approved e.w.i. systems, from INCA system members, applied by experienced INCA contractors.
Further information from the Insulated Render & Cladding Association at Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX ; tel: 0844 249 0040; fax: 0844 249 0042; e-mail: info@inca-ltd.org.uk or www.inca-ltd.org.uk.
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