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Maintaining your EWI can present a bit of a challenge for many EWI-owners out there who are keen to maintain the condition of their investment. The majority of our content here at EWI store is focussed around installation of external wall insulation and use of our products. Nevertheless, the lifespan and performance of our systems is of utmost importance to us – we want our customers to be happy with their external wall insulation system for the duration of its lifespan, and therefore aftercare and maintenance is an important topic to discuss.
There are a few things that customers must be aware of after their EWI has been installed to ensure that it lasts and performs to the highest of standards, so keep reading for more info…
Guttering and pipes
Part of maintaining your EWI means that you will need to keep a close eye on your guttering and pipes. Continuous leaking from rain gutters will cause damage and staining to your render finish in that area. If you notice any damage or staining then call in a professional to get it fixed ASAP and follow our instructions (further down) on how to clean the system.
Plants and soil levels
We love a climbing Wisteria as much as the next person, but unfortunately climbing plants will eventually create staining on your render finish. The same goes for low level plants and shrubs – keep these at a distance from the render and try to keep soil levels as far below the system as possible as this can cause splashback during wet weather.
Silicone Sealant
Unfortunately, silicone sealant will not last forever and will at some point need replacing. Our approved installers will aim to use as little silicone sealant as possible due to its shorter lifespan. Despite the fact that silicone sealant is relatively easy to fix, it’s pretty important to get it right, so it’s probably best to call in your installer to replace it.
Fixings and Aesthetic additions
It is inevitable that you will want to fix something to the external walls of your property. This could be items ranging from satellite dishes to clothes lines, but the important thing to remember is to use the appropriate fixings and ensure that they pass clean through the EWI and into the original wall surface.
This is because it is not safe for the EWI to carry the weight of the fixing and it could result in damage and injury. Once installed, the fixings must be sealed using silicone sealant around the openings where they penetrate into the EWI system.
We also recommend that you choose stainless steel fixings so avoid rust transferring onto your render finish.
Ladders
At some point in the future you will most likely want to clean your windows and use a ladder to access them. If you need to use a ladder at any time then if possible you should use a free-standing ladder so that it is not leaning directly against the EWI. This is because the pressure that the sharp edges of the ladder will apply to the EWI could cause damage and puncture the system.
If you do need to use a leaning ladder, then ensure that it has a spreading board at the top to minimise any risk of damage and do not drag the ladder against the system. As the homeowner, it’s essential that you communicate this with anyone who is coming to do work on your home that may require the use of a ladder.
Cleaning
Cleaning your EWI system is a fairly simple step in keeping the facade looking fresh. We recommend that if your EWI is looking dirty on the exterior you may need to give it a clean using mild soapy water and a cloth or sponge, or a very gentle power wash. If this is not enough and your render finish is experiencing some biological contamination then we recommend the use of our Fungicidal Wash. Simply apply the wash to the contaminated areas or the entire facade and leave for 24 hours to work its magic.
Painting
You may find that over time the render finish on your external wall insulation system will show signs of needing a refresh. We recommend that you first clean the render, and then if the render still looks like it needs a fresh coat of paint then we suggest that our silicone paint is applied over the top of the existing render finish.
So there you have, your basic EWI maintenance guide. We always recommend that if you are unsure about something to do with your EWI system, and especially if there are unusual cracks in your render then it’s best to call out a professional rather than attempting to repair it yourself. Alternatively, do call us for any further advice about your system, we are always happy to help!
Stay tuned to our blog! We upload a new blog post every Tuesday and Thursday all about EWI and render!
