External Wall Insulation Systems

Utilising a Licata EWI system on a new build project improves the energy efficiency of a building whilst offering a quickly installed, cost effective solution cladding. The EWI system creates a modern looking finish which require minimal maintenance. A range of decorative finishes are available with our system including brick slips and silicone render.

External wall insulation is employed in homes with solid walls to increase the overall thermal efficiency of the house. The term “external wall insulation” refers to a new layer of insulation that is affixed to the outside of a solid external wall. The new layer will be finished with a render coat or a cladding material which will protect the new insulation from environmental hazards like rain, snow, sleet and airborne debris.

Because it provides a continuous, uninterrupted envelope of insulation, external wall insulation is often regarded as the most efficient form of insulation for solid external walls.

With external wall insulation, there is less risk of cold spots developing within the wall, less risk of thermal bridging (weak points in the building envelope that allow heat to pass through), and a greatly reduced chance of potentially hazardous mould taking root.

LicataTherm Mineral Wool

Licatherm Mineral Wool system is a A2 fire rated system, breathable and suitable for high rise retrofit projects. Brick Slip and Silicone render can be used as the finish option with this system.

LicataTherm Graphite

Licatherm Graphite benefits from utilising enhanced EPS insulation within the system. This system offer high levels of workability and is often used on low rise residential homes.

Cement Board Render System

Licatherm Cement Board Render System has been designed for the new build market and framed structures. The system offers a fully breathable and water repellent system. The EWI system can be finished with Licata’s range of silicone render and brick slips.

LicataTherm ICF

Our EWI systems can be installed to ICF construction. The addition of an EWI system on a ICF can provide high insulated walls. The EWI systems for ICF construction can utilise EPS of Mineral Wool insulation, the systems are highly breathable and have multiple finishing options.

LicataTherm K5-1

Licatherm K5 EWI system utilises a Phenolic insulation board which provides industry leading thermal performance. This allows a thinner insulation material to be used to achieve great thermal performance.

Other Benefits of External Wall Insulation

Lower monthly energy bills: Homeowners add insulation to their homes for two fundamental reasons: 1) to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and 2) to reduce their monthly energy bills. External wall insulation is one of the best ways for someone whose home has solid external walls to achieve both of those goals.

A reduced carbon footprint: Of course in this day and age everyone is ultra-conscious of the need to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Fortunately, insulation on your solid external walls will reduce the amount of energy you use that is generated by fossil fuels thereby significantly reducing your carbon footprint.

Eliminating draughts: A lot of older homes are draught machines. In the past, the typical response to draughty walls was to pile on the blankets while you watched the telly. Today, the nearly airtight seal produced by external wall insulation provides a better way to deal with the issue.

Better sound insulation: The civilised world is a much noisier place than it used to be. One of the unintended but very real benefits of external insulation on your solid walls is that it will not only keep heat in, it will do a bang-up job keeping noise out. As a result your home will not only be more comfortable, it will be a more peaceful place as well.

Enhanced home valuation: Real estate industry studies confirm that an energy-efficient home will fetch more at sale time than a comparable home with poor insulation. That enhanced value has many benefits of its own. For instance, the higher the value of a home the more you will be able to borrow against it should you ever need or want to.

Reduced threat of mould: We tend to think of mould as an unsightly inconvenience. But it is potentially much more than that. There are several types of mould found in homes that can create respiratory distress, allergies, and even potentially deadly conditions such as histoplasmosis. External wall insulation seals your home up tight against moisture and, by extension, against the development of mould

Are There Disadvantages to External Wall Insulation?

There are downsides to everything and this type of insulation is no exception. The important thing is to weigh any potential downsides against the benefits. In this case, we are confident you will agree that the benefits of applying external insulation to solid walls far outweigh the disadvantages. Nonetheless, in the spirit of full disclosure here are the most commonly noted potential disadvantages of external insulation:

Gaps & cracks in the surface: Any gaps or cracks in the surface of the insulations can lead to moisture penetration. Once moisture finds its way inside the external insulation stack it will be devilishly difficult to purge it. However, if the application is performed correctly this should not be a problem. And this is one big reason we always recommend you have this type of insulation professionally applied.

Not suitable for all homes: Even if your home has solid exterior walls there is little chance you will be able to apply external insulation to it if it is a Listed Building, or it is located in a Conservation Area. Why? Because the external insulation will alter the appearance of the building.

Window wells: External insulation can be pretty thick. When this thickness is added to the existing depth of the solid external wall there’s the potential to create a “well-like” phenomenon around some windows and doorways. A talented professional may be able to mitigate that effect to some degree.

Cost: Everyone is budget-conscious these days and for good reason. That said, this type of insulation is not cheap and you will want to keep that in mind.

External Wall Insulation and Planning Permission

We alluded to this earlier but it warrants a bit of extrapolation.

One of the most common questions we at Licata get about external wall insulation is whether the homeowner will need to get planning permission to install it. As is the case with most things related to home improvement the answer is: it depends.

The local authority is tasked with ensuring that homeowners and commercial developers are not able to make impulsive changes to their properties that would clash with or undermine the existing character of a neighbourhood.

With that mandate in mind, it is possible that you will need to obtain planning permission for external wall insulation if that insulation is going to fundamentally alter the appearance of your home. It’s important to note, however, that sometimes this type of insulation will only generate a modest change in the appearance of a house. Rather like that which occurs when a home is painted. In which case planning permission may not be required.

We recommend homeowners take a cautious approach and raise the issue with their local authority rather than simply barreling ahead with the process and seeing what happens. It is very possible you will be given the green light without having to obtain official permission and members of the local authority will appreciate your considerate approach.

External Wall Insulation and Solid Stone Walls

“Solid” stone walls are often no such thing. Rather, they have a cavity between an internal and an external stone skin that is typically filled with various types of rubble. To make a long story short you can use external wall insulation on this type of stone wall but it is imperative that you choose the right type. If you choose the wrong type you run the risk of not producing any measurable benefit, other than perhaps increased sound insulation. Talk to a professional before attempting to add this type of insulation to a stone wall.

Quality Products you can trust

Licata Building Solutions is a leading Italian supplier of building materials, products and solutions for facades and interior surfaces. We have four depots and showrooms in the UK, all stocking our extensive product range.

Shop Now

FAQs

1. How does external wall insulation affect the appearance of my home?

External wall insulation can transform the external surface of your home by offering various finishes such as brick slips and insulated render. These options not only improve energy efficiency but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. Whether your home has solid walls, cavity walls, or stone walls, adding external wall insulation provides a sleek, uniform look while protecting against moisture penetration.

Installing external wall insulation involves applying an insulation layer over the existing external walls, followed by a weather-resistant finish. This helps create a thermal barrier that reduces heat loss and improves the building’s thermal mass. The choice of insulation material, including mineral wool and expanded polystyrene, ensures durability while maintaining the structure’s visual appeal.

2. Is external wall insulation suitable for high-rise buildings?

Yes, external solid wall insulation is commonly used in multi storey buildings, especially for improving energy efficiency in older constructions. High-rise buildings often have solid masonry walls or brick walls that lose significant heat. Adding insulation helps reduce energy bills while increasing sound resistance and protecting the structure from harsh weather.

The installation process for high-rise properties involves mechanical fixings to secure the insulation system and prevent thermal bridging. The type of insulation used, such as rigid boards or mineral wool, depends on fire safety regulations and the building’s external fittings. A professional installer ensures that the insulation system meets all building regulations and provides long-term cost savings.

3. Can external wall insulation be used on new build projects?

Yes, installing external wall insulation is an excellent choice for new builds, as it enhances thermal performance and reduces heating bills. Unlike internal insulation, which can reduce floor area, external insulation is applied directly to the external walls, preserving internal space. This makes it an ideal option for a semi detached house or larger developments.

New builds often require a cost-effective solution that meets strict building regulations. The type of insulation chosen—whether phenolic foam, expanded polystyrene, or mineral wool—depends on factors like U-value requirements and expected energy efficiency. External fittings such as window sills and door frames are also considered during the installation process to maintain a seamless look.

4. What types of insulation materials are used in EWI systems?

External wall insulation involves different types of insulation materials, each offering unique benefits. Mineral wool provides excellent fire resistance and sound resistance, while expanded polystyrene offers a lightweight, durable solution with high thermal efficiency. Phenolic foam is another option, known for its superior insulation performance in reducing heat loss.

When installing solid wall insulation, the choice of insulation material depends on factors such as thermal bridging, moisture penetration risks, and external surface requirements. Home insulation systems can include rigid boards or two layers of insulation, depending on the project. These materials help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and provide a long-lasting solution for various wall types.

5. How durable is external wall insulation?

External wall insulation systems are built to last, with many offering a lifespan exceeding 30 years when properly maintained. The insulation layer creates a strong thermal barrier, reducing heat loss and preventing rising damp. Regular inspections and cleaning help maintain its efficiency and appearance, ensuring continued cost savings.

Durability depends on the type of insulation used and how well it is installed. Properly fitted insulation involves securing the insulation system with mechanical fixings and ensuring a weatherproof finish. Insulation materials like mineral wool and phenolic foam offer long-term protection, making external wall insulation a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to save money on energy bills.

6. Does external wall insulation require planning permission?

In many cases, installing external wall insulation does not require planning permission, as it falls under permitted development. However, if your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building, you may need to check with your local authority before proceeding. Changes to external fittings, such as window sills and cladding, can impact the need for approval.

Planning permission may also be required if the insulation significantly alters the external surface of the property. Homeowners should consult with professionals and their local authority to ensure compliance with regulations. Taking these steps helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth installation process.

7. Can external wall insulation be applied to all types of buildings?

External wall insulation is suitable for various building types, including homes with solid brick walls, cavity walls, and stone walls. While cavity wall insulation is common for properties with cavity walls, solid wall insulation is ideal for older homes that lack this feature. Internal wall insulation is another option but reduces floor area, making external insulation a better choice for many.

Adding insulation to external walls enhances thermal efficiency and helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Whether you live in a detached, semi detached house, or a larger commercial property, external insulation improves energy efficiency, reduces heating bills, and extends the lifespan of the building. Consulting with a specialist ensures the right insulation system is selected for your specific needs.