Guide to Exterior Wall Insulation Types
Are you looking for a cost-effective way to improve your home's energy efficiency? External wall insulation is one of the best ways to achieve this. It is designed to reduce heat loss through the walls and prevent cold air from entering your home.
But before you decide to install it, you should be aware of the different types of insulation available. Many types of exterior wall insulation are available, each with unique advantages. This guide aims to provide an overview of the various exterior wall insulation materials and help you decide which one to choose for your home.
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Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Mineral Wool
Wood Fibre
Phenolic Foam
1. What is External Wall Insulation?
External wall insulation, otherwise known as EWI and external solid wall insulation, is a form of insulation placed outside the walls. Two layers of insulation are used - one to provide insulation and another outer layer of mineral or synthetic rendering to shield against inclement weather and provide a decorative finish.
Exterior wall insulation is an optimal solution for solid wall structures, in which cavity insulation is impossible and internal insulation would compromise too much space. It can also be a desire to upgrade your home's look with multiple choices of coloured rendering styles and more.
2. Exterior Wall Insulation Materials
Transform and protect the exterior of your home with exterior wall insulation materials. These products below are designed to provide superior energy efficiency, lowering energy costs and increasing comfort in any season. With an array of options available, you'll find exactly what you need to boost the insulation performance of your home's walls and roof.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
EPS insulation boards are a type of solid wall insulation material known for high-performance thermal insulation properties at the centre of the external wall systems. They are comprised of Expanded Polystyrene, a plastic foam made from solid polystyrene beads.
Expanded Polystyrene boards are a great way to add insulation to the exterior walls of a home or business. This type of insulation is lightweight, durable, and effective in preventing heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building. It is also easy to install and cost-efficient compared to other forms of insulation. Expanded Polystyrene boards are an ideal solution for those looking for an energy-efficient way to protect their property from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
Mineral Wool
Similarly to those itchy loft insulation rolls, mineral wool exterior wall insulation is made of lightweight yet dense mineral wool fibres to provide superior insulation abilities and give your walls long-lasting protection against extreme temperatures and other harsh conditions.
The difference is that the mineral wool is compressed much more to make it into rigid boards for the exterior wall insulating properties. With Mineral Wool exterior wall insulation, you can rest assured that your home will be safe and secure in any climate while reducing energy costs by keeping the temperature better regulated year-round.
With its high fire-resistance rating, this insulation is the perfect choice for any house because it can help lower energy costs and improve soundproofing qualities.
Wood Fibre
Wood fibre is the way to go if you are looking for the most sustainable and thermally efficient form of external wall insulation for low energy properties. Not only is wood fibre a renewable and sustainable resource, but it also offers superior thermal performance.
Thanks to a high thermal mass and excellent moisture buffering properties, the advantages of wood fibre external wall insulation are far more than just its environmental sustainability.
Wood fibre exterior wall insulation provides superior breathability. It is a perfect solution for timber-framed properties because it releases moisture as the house breathes, reducing damage caused by excess moisture buildup.
Phenolic Foam
Phenolic insulation boards are made in a process in which a plastic foam forms an insulating core between two flexible tissue-faced layers. They have high closed-cell content and fine cell structure manufactured by mixing high solids and phenolic resin with a surface-acting agent. The heat the reaction generates evaporates a volatile liquid-blowing agent in the mixture, producing a network of tiny bubbles in the material.
Phenolic external wall insulation systems incorporate high-performance, rigid thermoset phenolic foam insulation boards. This insulation's lightweight, low thermal conductivity allows it to be manufactured as thinner boards without compromising thermal performance. It can be 50% more effective than other insulation materials.
3. Summary
A properly insulated home is essential for energy efficiency, cost savings, and overall comfort. Understanding the different types of exterior wall insulation available is vital to get the most out of your insulation. We hope this guide gave you a better idea of the available options.
Do you need to install Exterior Wall Insulation in Bournemouth?
Are you looking for a trusted and reliable external wall insulation installer in Bournemouth? We've got you covered. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.