However, problems can occur if it is not installed correctly.

But since insulating an external wall can prevent up to 40% of the heat lost from a property, it is worth considering.

For the investment, you will have a home with no draughts, a fresh exterior appearance, and lower heating bills.

Not only will you see your home’s energy rating improve – but there could also be a 10% boost in your home’s value.

Here, the Property Road team takes a closer look at the pros and the problems with external wall insulation, which will help if you:

External wall insulation is a system used to insulate the external walls of a property.

It is usually applied to properties with solid walls; however, it can also be used on properties with cavity walls – see below.

The insulation material is applied to the outside of the property and is held in place with either adhesive or mechanical fixings. A render or cladding is then applied over the top of the insulation to provide a weather-proof finish.

There are several reasons why you might want to have external wall insulation installed on your property, such as:

This can help to reduce your energy bills as you will need to use less heating and hot water to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.

The insulation can help reduce the amount of noise that comes into your property from outside, making it more peaceful and quieter.

Having insulation can give your property a facelift as it can be finished in a variety of colours and finishes.

External wall insulation has pros and cons – here are some of the advantages:

Having looked at the advantages, the problems with external wall insulation include:

Common problems include damp patches appearing on walls, mould growth, and cracking or bulging of the render or brickwork.

Problems can also occur if the insulation is not properly protected from the weather, or if it is installed on a property that is not suitable for it.

To avoid problems with external wall insulation, it is important to choose a reputable installer who has experience in installing this type of insulation.

It is also important to make sure that the property is suitable for external wall insulation, and that all precautions are taken to protect the insulation from the weather.

So, when weighing up the pros and cons, insulating your external wall is a good option if you are looking to improve the thermal efficiency of your property.

However, it is important to ensure that it is installed correctly to avoid potential problems.

External wall insulation can cause several problems, including:

Water ingress is often the biggest problem with external wall insulation, as it can lead to serious structural damage. It is important to make sure that the insulation is properly installed and that any gaps are sealed.

Structural damage can also be caused by the insulation if it is not installed properly.

Thermal bridging can occur if the insulation is not installed correctly, and this can lead to heat loss and cold spots on the property.

Condensation can also be a problem with insulation, as it can cause mould growth. It is important to ensure that the property is well ventilated to prevent this from happening.

Fire safety is another important consideration when installing external wall insulation. It is important to make sure that the insulation does not block any fire exits or windows.

While insulating a property’s external wall can cause several problems, it is important to note that these can be avoided if the insulation is installed properly.

The cost will vary depending on the size of the property and the type of insulation that is used. It is important to get a few quotes from different companies before deciding.

Either way, scaffolding will need to be erected, and all pipes and cables fixed to the wall will need to be removed and replaced – costs that cannot be avoided.

But is it worth the expense?

According to the Energy Saving Trust:

The difference that the insulation will make to your property depends on several factors, such as:

Several different types of insulation material can be used, including:

Each type of insulation has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. For example, polystyrene is a good choice if you are looking for a lightweight insulation material, but it is not as durable as other options.

If the insulation is too thick or not installed correctly, it can cause condensation to form on the inside of the property. This can lead to damp problems and is something you should be aware of before installing external wall insulation.

Yes, insulation can be used on both solid and cavity walls.

However, if you have a cavity wall, it is important to make sure that the cavity is filled with insulation material before having the external layer installed to prevent any heat loss through the cavity.

There is no evidence to suggest that external wall insulation can damage health. However, it is important to make sure that the property is well ventilated to prevent condensation and mould growth.

External wall insulation should last for many years, provided it is installed correctly and maintained properly.

Planning permission is not usually required for external wall insulation. However, it is always best to check with your local planning authority before starting any work – especially if it drastically changes the appearance of your home.

There are several ways to find reputable companies that can carry out external wall insulation. One way is to ask friends or family if they have used a company before. Another way is to search online for customer reviews. Finally, it is always best to get a few quotes from different companies before deciding. Also, don’t forget to check online reviews.

It’s also worth noting that there are issues to consider for problems with internal wall insulation, including:

We mentioned earlier the problems with cavity wall insulation, and these could include:

If you need to decide between insulating your home with either internal, external, or cavity wall insulation, you really should speak with experts to calculate the costs, the amount of disruption – and the downsides – before committing yourself.

External wall insulation can provide several benefits to your property, but it is important to make sure that it is installed correctly to avoid any problems.

If you are thinking about insulating your external walls, you must use a professional company with a sound reputation. For the money, it’s important to do your research and ensure you don’t waste money – or face the prospect of having to remove the insulation.

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