Are you looking to make your home warmer, more energy efficient, and reduce energy costs? External wall insulation is a powerful way to achieve this, helping to prevent heat loss and keep your home cosy year-round. Even better, you may be eligible for free external wall insulation grants in the UK, which can cover some or all of the installation costs. Read on to learn how you could benefit from government-funded assistance and start saving on your energy bills today.
Contents
- Is external wall insulation right for your home?
- What is external wall insulation?
- What is the cost of external wall insulation?
- How is external wall insulation installed?
- Common challenges in the installation process
- Does external wall insulation cause damp?
- What are the building regulations for external wall insulation?
- Who is eligible for external wall insulation grants?
- How to apply for an external wall insulation grant?
1. Is external wall insulation right for your home?
Before choosing to install external wall insulation, it’s essential to understand its benefits and potential impact. Many homes, especially those with solid walls built before the 20th century, can lose significant heat without proper insulation. If your property lacks cavity walls, external wall insulation could be the most effective solution.
While the option of free external wall insulation through the UK’s ECO scheme via Carbon Rewind may sound like an easy choice, it’s important to understand how this insulation will change the exterior of your property. For eligible homeowners, external wall insulation grants can make a substantial difference in energy savings.
Here’s everything you need to know about external wall insulation, including its advantages and some considerations to keep in mind.
2. What is external wall insulation?
External wall insulation involves applying an insulating layer to the outside of a building to enhance its thermal efficiency. This method is particularly effective for solid-walled properties, where internal wall insulation may not be an option or could disrupt interior spaces.
External wall insulation systems typically use insulated boards attached to the exterior, then covered with a weather-resistant render. This layer not only improves energy performance but also protects the building from weathering. However, the installation requires careful planning to ensure a continuous thermal barrier.
3. What is the cost of external wall insulation?
The cost of external wall insulation depends on the size and complexity of the project.
For a standard three-bedroom, semi-detached property, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that costs for external wall insulation can reach around £12,000.
Before committing to full-price installation, it’s worthwhile to check if you qualify for an ECO4 external wall insulation grant. Under current eligibility rules, low-income households or those with properties rated EPC D-G could receive financial support to make external insulation affordable or even free.
4. How is external wall insulation installed?
The method used by Carbon Rewind involves fully certified materials from Provincial Seals, which are weather-resistant and highly insulating. Installation begins with the application of insulating boards to the property’s outer walls, which are then sealed and covered with a protective render layer.
The boards are either mechanically fixed or adhered with specialized adhesives, depending on the wall’s condition. Once applied, gaps between the boards are carefully sealed to prevent air leakage. Following insulation, the render is finished with a weatherproof coating, making the exterior ready to withstand various weather conditions.
5. Common challenges in the installation process
Sockets and outdoor lighting – Exterior fixtures like lighting and outdoor power points may need to be adjusted or relocated to accommodate the insulation layer.
Structural alterations – To achieve the best insulation coverage, some alterations, like removing downpipes or repositioning other structural elements, may be required.
Eaves and roofline adjustments – In some cases, extending the eaves is necessary to protect the new insulation layer.
Windows and doors – Window sills may need extensions to ensure they project beyond the insulation layer, keeping water from accumulating.
Skirting and external groundworks – It’s essential that skirting around the property be carefully extended to maintain a consistent weatherproof layer and avoid cold bridging at ground level.
6. Does external wall insulation cause damp?
External wall insulation generally reduces the risk of damp, as it helps keep walls warmer and prevents moisture from condensing inside. However, if not installed correctly, it can lead to issues in certain conditions. To prevent this, Carbon Rewind installs a vapor control layer and ensures all seams are sealed.
As with any insulation, it’s essential to ensure proper ventilation in your home to prevent internal moisture from becoming trapped. In specific situations where damp risks are higher, ECO-compliant installers are trained to evaluate and mitigate potential issues.
7. What are the building regulations for external wall insulation?
Building regulations require that external wall insulation systems improve thermal performance without compromising the building’s structure. Insulation applied to the exterior must achieve a U-value of 0.3W/m² or lower, in line with energy-saving regulations.
In addition, airtightness improvements are crucial in an insulated wall. Without sealing gaps and preventing cold air ingress, the effectiveness of the insulation may be reduced by up to 50%.
8. Who is eligible for external wall insulation grants?
UK residents who qualify as low-income or vulnerable and live in homes with poor energy efficiency ratings are eligible for external wall insulation grants. Homeowners must either receive certain benefits or have specific health needs made worse by the cold. The installation must be completed by an approved TrustMark Registered contractor to meet ECO guidelines.
To quickly check your eligibility for an external wall insulation grant, use our grant checker, which provides an immediate assessment.
9. How to apply for an external wall insulation grant?
The application process is simple, and you can start by checking if you meet the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) criteria. Currently, grants are available to homeowners who receive certain benefits, have limited income, or meet other vulnerability criteria. Connect with a Registered Installer like Carbon Rewind or search the TrustMark database to find a certified provider who will help guide you through the process.
After applying, you’ll be connected with a professional installer who will oversee the grant process and manage installation. For a faster application, use our online eligibility checker.
Is External Wall Insulation Right for Your Home?
The choice to add external wall insulation depends on several factors, including your property type and eligibility for grants. A professional assessment from a qualified installer like Carbon Rewind can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs. If you’re ready to learn more or start the grant application process, visit our website today and explore options for external wall insulation grants.
