External Wall Insulation: Homeowners Maintenance Guide

Installing Licata EWI Render systems onto your home is not just about giving it a modern and fresh look. Our EWI systems are designed to be durable and long-lasting with the proper maintenance and aftercare. It is essential for homeowners to be informed on how to maintain and look after their EWI investment so we will be providing the necessary information in this article.

On the exterior of your home, there is an entirely new system, rather than conventional rendering. What you have is an external insulation system called EWI. Licata Building Systems manufacture the products that make up this system. This energy-efficient system provides a continuous thermal blanket uninterrupted by the building’s block work. The Licata Building Systems EWI system blocks energy-wasting air leaks which is a major source of energy loss in conventional building methods.

The Licata Building Systems finishes are formulated using state-of-the-art polymer technology. They offer exceptional durability with minimal maintenance; the colour is built into the finish coat and therefore it does not require painting. The following information is to help you keep your Licata Building Systems EWI system house in good condition for many years of energy-efficient service.

General Maintenance:

 As with any building, maintenance is a necessity. As buildings age items on the interior and exterior may require repair or replacement. The following general maintenance tips will help you maintain your Licata Building Systems EWI system home.

Except for occasional cleaning to remove general soiling, your Licata Building Systems finish should need little attention. It does not require repainting as some render and wood products do.

Check Caulking – check for damaged or deteriorated caulked seals between the EWI system and other penetrations Licata Building Systems recommends checking this at least once a year. Seal beads around windows, doors and expansion joints should be checked to ensure that they are well adhered to. Cracked or split beads/sealants should be replaced immediately because they can be a potential source of water entry. You can make this a regular maintenance item that can be included with washing your windows.

Check to see that all light fixtures, outlets, water outlets, shutters, downpipes, and other attachments to the outside of your home are properly sealed. There should be no gaps around these items that would allow water to intrude into the wall cavity.

Gutters – check gutters and downpipes annually, so water flow is not obstructed as these can be a source of water entry to the structure. Defects in these items should be repaired promptly.

Electrical/Plumbing – external satellite dishes should be mounted on chimney stacks where possible. If mounted onto the EWI system, anchor fixings into the block work must be used and sealed properly. Cables to lights and alarm boxes must be placed in plastic conduits and sealed. Heating systems flue pipes must have a fire break installed around the pipe and sealed properly.

Use of a Ladder:

When placing a ladder against an EWI system wall ensure the ladder has rubber guard pads over the ends. Unprotected ladders could dent, puncture, scar or otherwise damage the Licata Building Systems EWI system surface.

Soils & Stains:

Remove soil as soon as possible from the Licata Building Systems finish. Simple soiling can be cleaned from Licata Building Systems finishes using water-compatible household cleaners. A soft, non-metallic bristle brush can also be used to remove soil from finishes. There are several commercial cleaning products available that are specifically formulated for EWI system finishes. Pressure washing is an ideal way to quickly clean your exterior wall and regain its original look. Pressure should not exceed 1,000 psi. The washer should be held at least 300mm / 12 inches from the finish to avoid possible damage and the operator should keep the tip of the washer moving.

Mould, Mildew and Algae:

Mould, mildew, and algae are microorganisms that can grow on virtually any surface if the conditions are right. If this growth appears on the surface of the EWI system finish, it can be cleaned and removed. Commercial cleaners designed to remove mould, mildew and algae are available. Alternatively, a solution of one part household liquid chlorine bleach to five parts clean water may be used. Apply this solution to the wall with a soft, non-metallic bristle brush, and then rinse the wall thoroughly with clean water to remove the bleach solution. If you are unsure of the results of either method, test a small area first.

Repairing Damages & Refinishing:

If your Licata Building Systems EWI system is damaged by dents, punctures, holes etc, repairs must be made with Licata Building Systems materials. Licata Building Systems can match the colour of your finish if you can provide a small sample or reference of the finish from the wall. Damage repairs must be made by an experienced Licata Building Systems applicator. You should call your original installer to do the repair or contact your local Licata Building Systems distributor who can refer you to a qualified applicator.

The existing finish should be clean and dry before painting. In small areas, paint can be applied with a brush. Avoid heavy brush applications around trim, windows etc because unsightly texture differences can result. Larger areas can be painted using a roller, applying vertical strokes that overlay by half the roller width. Depending on the texture and colour of the existing finish it may be necessary to apply two coats of paint.

Note:

If soiling appears to be ingrained in the finish and cannot be removed using one of the methods above, your walls may need to be recoated. NEVER use acid-based cleaners or solvents (mineral spirits, paint thinner, etc). These materials are not compatible with Licata Building Systems products or High-Density EPS Insulation. The use of these products may result in damage to the EWI system.

The existing finish should be clean and dry before painting. In small areas, paint can be applied with a brush. Avoid heavy brush applications around trim, windows etc because unsightly texture differences can result. Larger areas can be painted using a roller, applying vertical strokes that overlay by half the roller width. Depending on the texture and colour of the existing finish it may be necessary to apply two coats of paint.

After reading this article, you should now have the necessary information on how to properly maintain your Licata External Wall Insulation system for many years to come. If ever in doubt or if you have any questions regarding our products and systems, please do contact our team and we will be always more than happy to assist you.

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