We are now ready to carry out a major and quite costly task for the completion of our new home: external insulation. The benefits of insulation are now widely known to everyone. However, apart from the energy benefits, this work also provides the final look for our new building, so we need to be particularly careful with this step.
1. What is external insulation?
In recent years, we have been using this insulation technique, which is essentially the complete coverage of the building with insulating panels, upon which the final plaster and the building’s final color are applied. The full external insulation system consists of the insulation boards, adhesive for installation, fastening plugs, mesh, covering adhesive, and colored plaster.
Image 1: Indicative cross-section of external insulation
2. Which system should I choose?
There are plenty of companies in the market offering complete external insulation systems. You will need to do some market research to choose a system that meets your needs in terms of both reliability and cost. Generally, most companies provide comprehensive insulation systems. The most important thing is to find a reliable team that will adhere to all the specifications of the system you choose.
3. I see expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded graphite polystyrene (EPS Graphite), extruded polystyrene (XPS), or rock wool. What are their differences?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the classic white foam (styrofoam) we often see and is the most common insulation material. It is the most affordable material and has good breathability.
Expanded graphite polystyrene (EPS Graphite) is similar to the white one, but it has graphite mixed in, making it more efficient in its insulating properties. It is more expensive than white polystyrene.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is more expensive than the previous two categories. Its key feature is high water resistance, so it is mainly used for roof insulation. It also has increased mechanical strength, meaning it is a harder material than the others.
Rock wool has excellent insulation, soundproofing, breathability, and is fire-resistant, making it an ideal solution for insulation in fire-risk areas. Its downside is its higher price compared to the other materials.
Image 2: Types of insulation materials (1) Expanded polystyrene (2) Graphite polystyrene (3) Extruded polystyrene (4) Rock wool
4. What thickness of insulation should I use?
The thickness of the insulation has been calculated as part of the study for your new home. Therefore, a discussion with your supervising engineer is enough to decide the thickness of insulation based on the study’s recommendations. Of course, if your budget allows and it is technically feasible, it is advisable to opt for even thicker insulation for better thermal performance.
5. What else does an insulation system include?
In addition to the insulation boards, adhesives for installation and coating, and the final colored plaster, the system should also include:
Corner beads: These are PVC corners with integrated mesh. They are crucial for external insulation because they protect the building’s corners from impacts and ensure their alignment, which is essential for the aesthetic of the thermal facade.
Drip edges: These are PVC corners with an extra edge that diverts water from vertical to horizontal surfaces.
Control joints (optional): Also made of PVC and available in various sizes, these are mainly used for aesthetic reasons, as they break up large surfaces.
Image 3: (1) Corner beads (2) Drip edges (3) Control joints
Image 4: Decorative control joints on a building
6. What options do I have for colored plaster?
Apart from the obvious choice of the color for our new building, we can also choose the texture of the final surface. Options range from the smoothest surface (fine 1mm) to a rougher texture for aesthetic reasons. Many companies also offer decorative finishes, such as wood, concrete, or other decorative appearances.
Image 5: Types of final plaster finishes
The next step is the installation of the window frames. Read the next blog on 06/09/2024.
The above is not technical content and aims to provide simple information to the reader. The MECHA Engineering team has experienced engineers who will guide you with certainty and scientifically through your technical project needs.