Produced by INCA, the recognised trade association for the external wall insulation (EWI) industry in the UK, this new 2026 publication is aimed at architects, specifiers, main contractors and building owners alike and details the extensive benefits in specifying and installing EWI systems on both new build and refurbishment projects across all sectors of the construction industry.
All project images contained within this report are INCA award winning projects, taken from our extensive bank of EWI case studies.
INCA: The Benefits Of EWI Report
The Benefits Of External Wall Insulation
Using EWI to design warmer, healthier, more attractive buildings which are cheaper to heat and better for the environment
External wall insulation is not a new concept, it’s actually been used across Europe since the 1960s and is regarded as one of THE most effective ways to thermally upgrade existing buildings or to construct new buildings with energy efficiency in mind.
But the versatility of the system may come as quite a surprise, with different types and thicknesses of insulants being able to deliver the efficiency results your project demands and a wide array of finishes in different colours, textures and effects can satisfy even the most challenging of design briefs … brick, stone, render, texture, dash … it’s all possible!
Whilst perhaps most recognised in the thermal upgrade of existing buildings EWI can prove equally beneficial in the construction of new buildings – this new, 16 page report from INCA explains exactly what those benefits are. It is also packed with images of INCA award winning projects to showcase real examples of just what can be and has been achieved through a well specified and properly installed EWI system.
Aimed at architects, specifiers, main contractors and all those involved in the design and build process the report first explains what EWI systems are – the different thicknesses and types of insulants and the wide array of different colours, textures and effects available as finish options.
It then goes on to examine the design benefits – how EWI can meet all design needs including building and fire regulations, impact concerns, U-value targets, thermal bridging challenges and sustainability targets. It dives deeper into the finish options available showcasing some amazing examples utilising colour and texture to best effect.
The next section on core thermal and financial benefits explains exactly how an EWI system can reduce heat loss and how it can create comfortable homes and workplaces and, with a well insulated building comes reduced energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.
The report then moves on to the physical and aesthetic benefits – paying particular attention to the health benefits, how it can reduce the risk of damp, mould and condensation and how it can reduce the impact of noise pollution. It also explains how a well specified EWI system can be used to build aesthetically stunning buildings to either blend in or stand out and the effect this “kerb appeal” can have on the value of the property and the transformational effect on entire communities.
The final section then looks at the installation benefits and how the speed of EWI installation can prove to be highly cost effective, how, by putting the insulation on the outside of a building internal floor space can be maximised and how there’s minimal disruption to residents (in the case of retrofit) or internal trades (in the case of new build). It also highlights the increased protection to the fabric of a building adding an external wall insulation system can result in and the low cost to maintain the system moving forwards.
Of course it’s important that an EWI system is properly specified and installed and so the final part of the report outlines the benefits of choosing an INCA member … an INCA System Designer who will help with the design and specification process, an INCA Contractor who will install the the highest standards of quality, adhering to best practice at all times, and INCA Associate members for specialist input as required.
INCA Report: The Benefits Of External Wall Insulation – Download Your Copy
The INCA Benefits Of EWI report is available in A4 printed format which will be distributed at all INCA events and exhibitions over the course of the year as well as an electronic PDF download which will be widely promoted and shared via our social media platforms.
We will also be pushing it out directly to architects, specifiers, main contractors, housing professionals, building owners and all those involved in the design and specification of buildings of all types in order that the many benefits of EWI can be promoted and the market expanded
It is also intended to be a marketing resource which our members can use so if you would like any printed copies please email info@inca-ltd.org.uk and let us know how many copies you require and where to send them.
To download your PDF version simply click the image or the link below: