External Wall Insulation (EWI) is a specialised process, installed by specialist contractors. A procedure, determined by the manufacturer must be strictly adhered to in order to achieve maximum performance of the system and also to validate any warranty. Our chosen EWI system leads the way worldwide in terms of innovation and quality components. ***Any External Wall Insulation system installed without the correct, approved components is at serious risk of failure and can be the subject of very expensive repairs.***

 

We will now take you through the basic steps of EWI:

Please note: this list of steps is not exhaustive and is designed only to give an indication of the process.

Step 1

The required type and size of insulation is adhesively and mechanically fixed to all external walls. This creates an insulation envelope that prevents heat loss and cold bridging, which can occur using other types of insulation, e.g. blown cavity insulation. We use a uPVC basetrack (no thermal bridge, minimal thermal movement and a full mesh bead to link with main wall mesh, unlike metal track systems), 100% nylon fixings (no thermal bridge) and very high quality render beads throughout all installations. We are fully certified and registered to employ a number of insulation types with our external wall insulation systems. You can read more information on these insulations on our insulations page.

Step 2

An alkali-resistant open-weave fibre mesh is embedded onto the insulation board using a polymer-modified cement basecoat. This provides both impact resistance and tensile strength. Various extra strengthening meshes are installed at vunerable junctions to ensure optimum strength and no cracking. We an offer a range of impact resistances depending on the application of the EWI system. For further information on the applications we can cater for, please contact us.

Step 3

Basecoat renders are allowed sufficient time to dry and a coloured primer is then applied (by roller, brush or spray). (Drying takes approximately 24 hours.) This aids adhesion/ water resistance, and also improves the colour uniformity on the final finish. This is not universal to all systems, but we see this as a very important step to providing the best possible system.

Step 4

A low maintenance acrylic render finish is then applied (troweled or sprayed).This finish is available in a range of colours and textures with extensive pallets to choose from. We can even match existing colours and textures and also have the ability to apply real brick facades. We have a choice of render types and specifications, for various exposures and climatic conditions. We also supply and install mineral monocouche renders with our insulation systems if a specific texture or design is required.

Step 5

Comfort Solutions will complete your insulation system with whatever decorative features you may desire. Raised window bands, raised plinths, quoin stones, etc. etc... If you can think of it, then we can probably do it! Don’t have sufficient soffit widths? No problem. We have solutions for these issues as well as countless others. We can overcome almost any problem in an aesthetically pleasing manner. We will leave you home with stunning good looks and always strive to make all our projects the envy of your neighbours. After all, we want them to buy too!

Please note the above steps are not exhaustive and there are other steps and procedures to be followed during installation. The above is designed simply as a guide to give a basic understanding of the process of EWI.

The final result is a very durable, low maintenance and beautiful finish that will only need hosing down to clean every 3 to 5 years. Furthermore, your new walls will need no further painting for many, many years (up to 40); so choose you colour carefully! For further information on the process, please contact us.