External wall insulation (EWI) is a type of thermal insulation that can be applied to the exterior of a building to improve its energy efficiency. It involves fixing a layer of insulating material to the outside walls, followed by rendering or cladding to finish. EWI provides numerous benefits like improved thermal comfort, reduced heat loss and energy savings
In addition to reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency EWI also helps protect the building from environmental factors such as damp and condensation. By eliminating the need for traditional internal wall insulation methods that can lead to problems with damp and mould growth EWI can help provide healthier living conditions for occupants
The Risks Associated with DIY Installation of EWI
Although DIY installation of EWI may appear to be an attractive option due to its cost saving implications, it presents many risks that should not be taken lightly. One major risk associated with DIY EWI installation is safety during installation work. Any work carried out on buildings at height poses an inherent risk particularly when using ladders, scaffoldings etc., making it essential for anyone undertaking this work themselves take appropriate safety measures
Lack of expertise in applying external wall insulation can also lead to improper installation which could cause damage or failure leaving occupants exposed without realising the problems. Improperly installed EWI can undo all the benefits of insulating a home in the first place causing more problems than it was supposed to solve.
Should I Install External Wall Insulation myself?
Installing DIY External Wall Insulation can save money but this should not be done without proper knowledge and resources. The process needs to be done accurately and with precision which requires an understanding of building techniques and different construction types
It is important for individuals to ensure they have the necessary tools and equipment required for installation beforehand. Following manufacturer instructions closely should also be a top priority as each product will have its own specific guidelines.
External wall insulation has numerous advantages that make it an attractive option for property owners. However, installing EWI is not a simple task that can be done by anyone without proper knowledge or training
Attempting DIY EWI installation presents numerous risks that might cause damage or failure to your property apart from voiding warranties if something goes wrong. It is recommended that you hire a professional EWI installer who has experience in installing EWI rather than undertaking the task yourself if you do not have any prior idea about it as professionals ensure safety measures are put in place before starting any work which makes life easier for everyone involved.
Advantages of EWI
Energy efficiency and cost savings
One of the primary advantages of external wall insulation is that it can significantly improve the energy efficiency of a building, leading to significant cost savings over time. By insulating the exterior walls, homeowners and landlords can reduce the amount of heat lost through their walls, which means they will use less energy to heat their homes. This translates into lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions
External wall insulation also provides a continuous thermal barrier around the exterior walls, which helps reduce heat loss and prevent cold spots in rooms. As such the heat generated by heating systems is retained for longer periods inside homes during cold seasons
Improved thermal comfort
In addition to reducing energy bills and carbon emissions, external wall insulation also enhances thermal comfort inside homes. With EWI installed on exterior walls, living spaces remain warm in winter months and cool during summer due to reduced heat transfer.
This enhanced comfort is due to how well insulated external walls work together with other elements such as roofing material or double glazed windows. The breathable nature of some EWI materials like wood can also help regulate moisture levels in homes by allowing trapped moisture vapour to escape from interior spaces into ambient air through its porous surface – providing further benefits beyond just temperature control.
Reduced condensation and dampness
External wall insulation helps prevent condensation build-up on internal surfaces by reducing moisture transfer across external walls. Dampness caused by excess water vapour that accumulates on surfaces also contributes negatively to indoor air quality (IAQ).
The presence of damp can increase the risk of mould growth or attract pests like termites or cockroaches. EWI installed correctly reduces these risks because it provides an additional layer that protects against these issues while ensuring adequate ventilation (breathability) within internal spaces – thus improving IAQ.
Enhanced sound insulation
External wall insulation can also improve sound insulation by reducing the amount of noise that enters or leaves buildings. This is particularly useful for people who live on busy roads or near noisy neighbours.
EWI acts as a barrier to sound waves and reduces transmission of airborne noise, making internal spaces quieter and more peaceful. External wall insulation offers many advantages that can help homeowners save money on energy bills, enhance thermal comfort, reduce risk of condensation and damp as well as providing much needed peace and quiet from outdoor noise pollution.
Disadvantages and Risks of DIY Installation of EWI
Lack of expertise and experience in EWI installation process
One major disadvantage of attempting to install External Wall Insulation (EWI) yourself is the lack of expertise and experience in the installation process itself. EWI installation requires specialised knowledge, skills and tools that can be difficult to master without proper training.
Mistakes made during installation can result in poor insulation performance, increased energy costs or even structural damage. EWI installation involves working with various materials like insulation boards, fixings and render systems which require a degree of expertise and experience to install correctly.
Proper handling of these materials is crucial to ensure optimum performance. Without adequate knowledge or experience with these materials mistakes can be made that could lead to failure of the entire system.
Safety concerns during DIY EWI installation
As mentioned above working at height poses a significant hazard for anyone attempting DIY External Wall Insulation without the necessary precautions in place. Falls from ladders or scaffolding can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.
Installation also involves the use of tools such as power drills which can cause injury if not handled correctly. Without proper safety equipment and adequate health and safety training accidents may occur leading to harm ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries
Risk of improper installation leading to damage or failure of EWI systems
Improperly installed EWI can lead to a host of problems that range from cosmetic defects all the way up to severe structural damage that could be costly if not impossible to repair. Inadequate fixings for example will compromise the system’s ability to remain intact over time which can affect its overall efficiency as well as its longevity.
Poor adhesion between layers in your insulation system could lead directly towards decreased thermal performance that results in higher heating or cooling costs throughout your home.
Invalidated EWI Warranties
Another significant risk associated with DIY installation of EWI is the potential for voiding manufacturer warranties. Some manufacturers require the installation be done by registered and approved EWI installers who have undergone specialised training. If you attempt to install EWI without the appropriate qualifications and experience, you may inadvertently void the warranty on your system and this could leave you responsible for any future repairs or maintenance costs.
While attempting DIY External Wall Insulation installation may seem like a cost effective solution, it comes with significant risks that can be difficult to manage without proper training and equipment. Rather than attempting it yourself, consider hiring an EWI installer who has expertise in EWI installation processes to ensure that your system is installed safely and efficiently.
Fire Safety Of EWI Systems
Incorrectly designed and installed EWI systems will not adhere to strict fire safety regulations to ensure it meets adequate safety standards. Only experienced and qualified EWI installers have the knowledge and understanding for the requirements needed to meet these safety standards. These can typically range from the number and frequency of fire fixings, fire breaks, works around gas boiler flues and many others.
Installing EWI yourself on a property, especially one with surrounding and attached neighbours can lead to disastrous outcomes. The severity of damage caused to buildings or worse human life can lead to fines and imprisonment.
EWI Building Control Notification
Installation of EWI is notifiable, this means on completion any EWI installation needs to be notified to building control or local authority. Registered EWI installers can notify building control under the registration of a competent persons scheme. This is a relatively simple task as they are recognised by the relevant authorities and use approved EWI systems.
As a DIY EWI installer, this is not such a simple task and may require plans, prior notification and much more. The process of notifying an EWI installation outside of a competent persons scheme can be both lengthy and costly
Steps to Ensure Safe DIY Installation of EWI
Research and planning prior to beginning the project
Before starting any DIY project, adequate research and planning are crucial. When it comes to the installation of External Wall Insulation (EWI) it is essential to understand the process, necessary materials and safety measures involved. Start by reading up on EWI installation guides provided by manufacturers or experts in the field.
Research online forums or communities where professionals and amateurs gather to discuss their experiences with EWI installations. Additionally, assess your own abilities and limitations.
Do not attempt an EWI installation if you lack experience with home improvement projects or are unsure about your skills in handling power tools. Consider attending a workshop or class that covers EWI installation before attempting it yourself.
Use proper tools, equipment, and materials
The use of proper tools, equipment, and materials is essential for a successful EWI installation project. Investing in high quality tools can make all the difference when it comes to efficiency and accuracy during installation.
In addition to proper tools and equipment is using high-quality materials that meet all industry standards for external wall insulation systems. Using inferior quality products may compromise the integrity of your building’s envelope leading to problems like water penetration.
PAT testing of EWI tools
The equipment used should be regularly PAT tested to ensure correct and safe functionality. Unsafe tools, in particular when used outdoors can pose serious safety issues. Where possible the use of low voltage cordless tools should be considered and when the use of mains powered tools are required, 110V tools rather than the standard 240V tools are recommended
Follow EWI manufacturer instructions closely
Manufacturers provide specific instructions on how their products should be installed; following them strictly ensures that your EWI system will be correctly installed. Attempting shortcuts could result in improper installations leading to defects such as air gaps between insulation panels which reduces energy efficiency significantly. Also essential when following manufacturer instructions is understanding how warranties work; most warranties require strict adherence to application guidelines for them to remain valid
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have considered the pros and cons of installing External Wall Insulation (EWI) yourself, as opposed to hiring a professional EWI installer. We have seen that there are many benefits to EWI, such as improved energy efficiency, thermal comfort, reduced condensation and dampness and enhanced sound insulation. However, there are also risks associated with DIY installation, such as a lack of experience in the installation process and safety concerns.
While it is possible to install EWI yourself, it is important to recognize when professional help is necessary. If you are not confident in your ability to complete the installation process safely or if you encounter unexpected issues during the project, it may be best to seek out a professional EWI installer. This will ensure that your EWI is installed correctly and that any potential risks or problems are addressed by someone with expertise in the field