Transforming Your Home Exterior: Benefits of External Wall Insulation

Jub Systems • July 1, 2024

In recent years, homeowners and builders have increasingly turned to external wall insulation (EWI) to enhance the energy efficiency and durability of solid-wall properties. This upgrade is not only an investment in the property's future but also a step towards sustainable living. Let's look at the many advantages of external home insulation and understand why it’s becoming a popular choice for both new construction and refurbishment projects.

What is External Wall Insulation?


External wall insulation involves the installation of an insulating layer to the exterior walls of a building. This layer is then covered with a reinforcing mesh and a protective render. The renders come in various finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic while adding value to the property.


If you’re still thinking, "Is insulation for external walls worth it?" here are the key benefits that might convince you.


Key Benefits of External Wall Insulation


1. Enhanced Thermal Performance


One of the primary benefits of insulating external walls is its ability to reduce heat loss. Adding a layer of insulation prevents heat from escaping through the walls, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This improved thermal performance translates to lower energy bills, as your heating and cooling systems won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. 


The effectiveness of external insulation for walls is often measured by its U-value. The U-value is a measure of how well a material allows heat to pass through it. Lower U-values indicate better insulating properties. When you have external wall insulation installed, the U-value of your walls decreases, meaning less heat escapes and your home becomes more energy-efficient. This improved external wall insulation U-value is a key metric in demonstrating its efficiency.



2. Weatherproofing


External insulation for walls provides a durable, weatherproof house exterior that protects your building from the elements. Whether it’s rain, snow, sunlight or wind, EWI acts as a barrier, shielding your property from harsh weather conditions. This protection helps prevent damage and deterioration, extending the lifespan of your building and its structure.


3. Condensation Control


Condensation can lead to a range of problems, including mould growth and structural damage. Insulating walls externally helps eliminate condensation by maintaining a consistent temperature on the walls, reducing the risk of moisture build-up. This creates a healthier living environment and preserves the integrity of your building.


4. Improved Appearance


With a variety of renders and finishes available, external house insulation allows you to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. Whether you prefer a modern look or a traditional style, you can choose a finish that complements your taste and improves your home's kerb appeal. This not only makes your property more attractive but can also increase its market value.




5. Acoustic Benefits


External wall insulation systems can also improve the acoustic quality of your home. The insulating layer helps reduce noise transmission from outside, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment. This is particularly beneficial for properties located in busy urban areas.


6. Environmental Impact


By reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency, external wall insulation products help lower your carbon footprint. This contributes to environmental conservation efforts and supports sustainable living practices. Additionally, many external wall insulation systems are made from eco-friendly materials, further enhancing their ecological benefits.



Ideal for New Builds and Refurbishments


New Build Properties


External wall insulation is an excellent choice for new construction due to its cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits. It simplifies design processes,

supports fast-track build programmes, conserves energy and helps meet the requirements of building regulations and sustainability codes.


Modern detached house in the UK with JUB external wall insulation and white JUB external render



Refurbishment Projects


For existing buildings, external wall insulation offers numerous advantages:


  • Minimal Disruption: Installation is carried out externally, causing little disturbance to occupants.
  • Choice of Finishes: A wide range of colours and textures is available to match or enhance the building’s original character.
  • Preservation of Internal Space: Unlike internal insulation, EWI does not reduce the usable floor area.
  • Increased Property Value: Enhanced appearance and improved energy efficiency can boost property market value.
  • Extended Building Lifespan: EWI protects and revamps older buildings, extending their usability and lifespan.


Refurbished apartment building in the UK using JUB external wall insulation system and JUB external render



Choosing the Right External Wall Insulation Company


When considering external wall insulation, choose a reputable company with an excellent track record. We at JUB Systems UK are qualified to make recommendations on installers of external wall insulation and have a JUB Approved Installers list of contacts to help you find the best professionals for the job. Whether you are looking for external wall insulation companies in your local area or specific regions like external wall insulation in Leicester, doing thorough research and reading customer reviews can help ensure you get quality service and products.


Conclusion


External wall insulation is an investment that offers a multitude of benefits, from improved thermal performance and weatherproofing to enhanced aesthetics and environmental sustainability. Whether for new builds or refurbishment projects, EWI is a smart, cost-effective solution that adds value and longevity to properties.


Explore our range of external wall insulation products and systems to find the perfect match for your property. With over 140 years of experience and one of Europe’s leading technical research centres, we at JUB Systems UK provide accredited solutions tailored to your project. Contact us to learn how external wall insulation (EWI) can benefit your home or building.

JUB Colour Chart: A Deep Dive into Exterior House Render Colours

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The Ultimate Guide to the Great British Insulation Scheme: Measures, Eligibility and How to Apply

By Jub Systems • July 19, 2023
Introducing the Great British Insulation Scheme, previously known as ECO+, a government initiative aimed at helping households insulate their homes, improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. With the scheme already launched and set to run until March 2026, it's time to discover how this £1 billion programme can benefit households across the UK. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of the scheme, its eligibility criteria and the range of energy-saving measures available. Benefits of the Great British Insulation Scheme The Great British Insulation Scheme aims to support approximately 300,000 households by providing financial assistance for home insulation. By participating in the scheme, households can save an estimated £300 to £400 per year on their energy bills. The focus is on helping those with the lowest incomes, while also extending support to households living in energy-inefficient homes with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D or below, as well as those in lower Council Tax bands (A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales). This inclusive approach ensures that more people, especially those struggling with high energy costs, can benefit from making their homes more energy efficient. The Aim of the Great British Insulation Scheme  The Great British Insulation Scheme has a clear goal: to deliver single insulation measures to two main groups of customers. The first group consists of low-income individuals who do not meet the minimum requirements for ECO4 assistance. The scheme aims to provide them with valuable insulation measures to improve their living conditions. The second group includes households based on council tax band and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, targeting a wider range of individuals who can benefit from energy-saving upgrades.

External Render Repair and Maintenance: Preserving Your JUB Render

By Jub Systems • July 12, 2023
Welcome to our guide on external render repair and maintenance. Whether you have a JUB render and/or an external wall insulation system, proper maintenance is essential to ensure longevity and visual appeal. By following our step-by-step instructions, you can reduce the need for extensive render repairs in the future, saving you both time and money. Let's dive into the key steps for effective render repair and maintenance. Step 1: Thorough Cleaning and Primer Application Before starting any redecoration work, it's crucial to clean the external render thoroughly. Remove any visible dirt or dust from the surface, ensuring a clean and smooth base for the upcoming paint application. If necessary, treat the facade with JUB Fungi Wash to eliminate any fungal growth or contaminants. However, avoid using acid-based cleaners or solvents, as they can damage the external wall insulation system. To enhance the adhesion and durability of the new paint, we highly recommend applying an appropriate paint primer to the cleaned render. Step 2: Choosing the Correct Paint Choosing the correct paint is crucial for achieving a long-lasting and visually pleasing exterior finish. Take into account the type of render you have and consult our technical department at technical@jub.org.uk for guidance on the suitable paint product. Avoid using masonry paint that JUB Systems UK Limited hasn't advised to maintain warranties and prevent short-term maintenance cycles. Keep the original render's colour code on file for future reference to ensure accurate colour matching.

Why Silicone Render is the Best Choice for a Property’s Exterior: Benefits, Application & Aesthetics

By Jub Systems • May 24, 2023
When it comes to a property's exterior, making a lasting impression with a beautiful and durable finish is key. That's where silicone render comes in. As a high-performance external render, it offers a multitude of benefits that make it the best choice for homeowners and renderers seeking long-lasting and visually appealing results. Benefits of Silicone Render: Why Choose It?  Silicone render stands out for its numerous advantages. Firstly, it provides exceptional weather resistance, making it perfect for even the harshest climates. It can endure heavy rain, extreme temperatures and strong winds without cracking or fading. This ensures that a property maintains its stunning appearance for years to come. Another significant benefit is its breathability. By allowing moisture to escape through the walls of a property, it prevents the build-up of dampness and condensation. This is especially crucial for older houses and buildings with potentially inadequate insulation. By opting for silicone render, you can improve a property's energy efficiency and reduce the risk of dampness and mould. Flexibility is also a key feature of silicone render, setting it apart from traditional render systems. While other renders can be brittle and prone to cracking, silicone render is designed to move naturally with the property's walls, minimising the likelihood of unsightly fissures over time.

ECO Flex: Providing Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Non-Benefit Eligible Households in the UK

By Jub Systems • May 17, 2023
The ECO4 scheme has been helping eligible households in the UK to access free insulation and energy efficiency upgrades to reduce energy costs and support sustainable living. However, not all households that need support with improving their homes are receiving income-related benefits. That's why the UK government introduced the ECO Flex scheme. Under ECO Flex, local authorities are provided with more funding to identify residents who would benefit from home upgrades, even if they don't meet the standard eligibility criteria for ECO4. With ECO Flex, households don't have to be on benefits to qualify for funding. ECO Flex Eligibility The eligibility criteria for ECO Flex is quite comprehensive. To qualify, your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating must be between E-G if you rent or D-G if you own your home. If your property is not currently on the EPC register, we can help assess it for you. You must also have a combined household income of less than £31,000. Alternatively, if you meet the EPC criteria, you can qualify for ECO Flex if you meet the following: Your home is within a specific postcode identified by your local council. You receive a council tax rebate (single-person occupancy excluded). You are identified as vulnerable to living in a cold home: someone in the home is pregnant, disabled or elderly, you have children under 5, or someone in the home has a medical condition. Your child receives free school meals. Your home is identified as being in debt to your energy provider. Another way to qualify is if you are identified by your GP as vulnerable to the cold and on a low income.

ECO4 Government Scheme: Free Insulation and Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Eligible UK Households

By Jub Systems • April 12, 2023
In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and increase properties’ EPC rating, the UK government has launched the ECO4 scheme, which aims to provide eligible households with free insulation and energy efficiency upgrades. Benefits of ECO4 The scheme is targeted at low-income households and those living in fuel poverty and is designed to help: Reduce Energy Bills: By providing eligible households with free insulation and energy efficiency upgrades, the scheme helps to reduce energy bills, making it easier for households to stay warm during the winter months. Improve Living Conditions: By installing insulation and energy efficiency measures, the scheme helps to make homes more comfortable, reduce noise levels and improve indoor air quality. Reduce Carbon Emissions: The scheme helps to reduce carbon emissions by promoting sustainable living and reducing energy consumption. This is an important step in creating a more sustainable future. Support Low-Income Households: The ECO4 scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden of heating and cooling a home and can improve the quality of life for those living in fuel poverty. 

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Government Scheme: What Is It & Do You Qualify for Free Insulation?

By Jub Systems • February 8, 2023
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme that offers grant funding to support energy-inefficient homes, which in turn aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. In this blog article, we’ll take you through all the details you need to know about the ECO funding scheme, what are the differences between ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex and do you qualify for free insulation grants. ECO: A Brief Overview ECO was developed for energy suppliers to financially support households across the UK with the aim of boosting the property’s energy efficiency and EPC rating. There are three sets of insulation grants available under the Energy Company Obligation: ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex. Each grant has its specific eligibility criteria but all of them offer the main types of energy-efficiency measures. These include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation and boiler replacement or repair. Can I Get Free Insulation? To qualify for the ECO insulation grants, you need to be the homeowner or have a signed document from your landlord granting you permission to apply. Eligibility criteria for each of the three grants vary and will depend on several factors. Here are some of the factors that if you meet, you will most likely be eligible for the grant to insulate your home:  If you receive the Warm Home Discount in the 'core' group, get eligible benefits and fit the income requirements Live in social housing that has an EPC rating of E or lower (check your energy performance certificate, ask your landlord or social housing association or get in touch with an approved installer to find out ) You meet the criteria set by your Local Authority

Mineral Wool Insulation or EPS Insulation

By Jub Systems • January 11, 2023
When choosing to have an EWI system installed on a property, one of the first things that need to be decided is choosing the type of insulation. The market currently is overflowing with choices when it comes to insulation materials. Usually, the decision comes down between Mineral Wool or EPS as they are the most common materials in the UK.  How do you know which of the two will be more suitable for the property? In this blog article, we will cover the different characteristics and core differences between Mineral Wool and EPS to help you make the right decision.
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