Installation of external wall insulation can be a daunting prospect for anyone. Our sister company EWI Pro does provide an extensive Training Academy programme, but if you are a seasoned DIYer, and want to try your hand at improving the energy efficiency of your home, we have all the tools you may need. Consider this blog your one stop shop to EWI.
What does EWI do for your home?
The principle behind external wall insulation is simple; create a super-insulation envelope. The envelope works in two ways. Firstly, it reduces the rate of heat loss from your home, and secondly, it increases the capacity for storage of heat. Both characteristics are crucial to reducing your energy expenditure, which is why EWI is considered the most crucial stage of creating a passive house.
The combination of EWI and render can also improve the aesthetics of your façade. We have all you need to cover up that outdated, discoloured pebbledash or brickwork.
Step 1
The first step to deciding what you need for your EWI installation is to determine the substrate you'll covering. Once established, we recommend looking through our system build up to determine the whole process. Irrespective of what the substrate it, you will need to prepare it by cleaning it, and ensuring it is clear of any dirt. Following this, our EWI-310 Universal Primer can prime any surface, increasing its adhesion. The EWI Store range of basecoats work as adhesives so you get plenty of versatility and choice. The Premium Basecoat is recommended for any Mineral Wool installation due to its strength and flexibility. A notched trowel is the ideal tool for the application, and fibreglass mesh serves to add an extra layer of reinforcement. The depth of the installation should be 6mm at this stage.
Step 2
The substrate on your property is now reinforced, protected against weather conditions, and highly adhesive. Our blog comparing the choices of insulation will allow you to decide which boards will suit your property needs. Subsequently, when considering our choice of the Premium Basecoat, we can install Mineral Wool or Kingspan K5 insulation boards. Many companies in the UK now dry fix insulation, however, we strongly recommend wet fixing with adhesive, and adding mechanical fixings for further strengthening. Beading is also crucial to ensuring any dampness in the bottom of the insulation. Starter tracks ensure that the surface for application is level, and they are attached to the substrate above the DPC. Mineral Wool will require metal fixings.
Step 3
Every insulation installation needs a solid external envelope, and the EWI Store Silicone Render range can provide exactly that. To further reinforce and level the surface of your insulation, apply the Premium Basecoat and embed Fibreglass Mesh. Your substrate is now ready for your aesthetic render finish. Render Primer will ensure that your render finish adheres properly and securely. Thankfully, our Universal Primer can also be used in this process!
EWI Store through-coloured silicone renders can provide the vast colour range you need, whilst retaining beneficial qualities. The whole envelope is now encased in a weatherproof, flexible layer. Apply with a trowel and use a plastic float to get the desired surface. Silicone paint can also protect your brand new render finish.
Other products to consider
With an ever expanding range of materials, there are incredibly varied solutions to your EWI and render systems. Perhaps space is a premium on your project? Order the Kingspan Kooltherm K5 insulation board, as the phenolic composition offers excellent thermal performance in a condensed board size. Looking for the best performance from your render? Then try the Nano Drex Silicone Render, with hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties. Prefer a more traditional façade? In addition to your insulation, consider our range of easy to install brick slips. EWI Store also stocks premium OX tools to deliver the best performance on your project.
Call our sales team on 02045717492 today for advice and pricing!
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