External Wall Insulation systems are at the forefront of Modern Methods of Construction and given more than a third of the heat in a building is lost through its walls, high-quality External Wall Insulation (EWI) also known as ETICS (External ThermalInsulation Composite Systems) are a must for any energy-conscious building project or retrofit scheme.
EWI systems are a key measure in improving existing housing stock to achieve more efficient thermal values and reduce both heat loss and energy costs. Using insulants such as Expanded Polystyrene or Mineral Wool, EWI can make a remarkable contribution to retrofit initiatives and to the Net Zero Carbon agenda.
Improving thermal values and reducing energy bills can be combined with a wide range of aesthetic finishes, which ensure regenerated housing stock and estates can achieve an improved quality of life for the householders.
Fabric first – retrofit relevancy
EWI is a pivotal cladding material to consider in the retrofit landscape for social housing stock owned by Local Authorities and Registered Providers. External Wall Insulation measures help to reduce carbon and greenhouse gases across local authority areas spanning the UK. When combined, the impact and combined U-value data from across these Local Authority areas is helping to positively contribute to the UK’s overarching Net Zero Carbon goals.
It is for this prime reason that EWI is regarded as one of the most effective ways to thermally upgrade existing buildings and why it is ideal for Local Authorities and Housing Associations with ageing social housing stock, often dating back to the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
Qualifying as a fabric-first solution, this seeds the cladding solution’s grant funding relevancy under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation ECO4.
Fabric first – results fast
Alongside qualifying as a fabric-first solution, and the inherent benefits this brings to retrofitting in itself, EWI systems deliver immediate results – when compared to energy efficiency measures like photovoltaic panels or Ground Source Heat Pumps, where the benefits need time to aggregate/yield their results, benefits and savings.
EWI instead brings immediate advantage – improved thermal values are experienced straight from installation, which is swiftly followed by reductions in tenants’ and residents’ energy bills due to lower energy consumption required.
EWI generates improved U-values, which equals energy saving for the planet and financial savings for tenants from the ‘get go’.
It’s more relevant than ever as a retrofit solution for stock owning Local Authorities and Registered Providers to enhance their homes, to the benefit of residents and customers, as it helps save money on fuel costs in the current cost of living crisis.
Certification and standards
Quality, standards, longevity and reliability of EWI systems are pivotal for the public sector’s procurement landscape and reassurance on the safety of products.
Our range of External Wall Insulation systems are fully tested and certified for retrofit applications.
These certifications are relevant for masonry, concrete, blockwork and no-fines concrete substrates as well as sheathed lightweight steel frames which allow many existing solid wall properties and existing strip off and reclad projects to be considered.
Our External Wall Insulation ranges hold fire performance classifications to Euro Class EN 13501-1 of A1, A2,s1,d0 and B and our coloured textured finishes have also been awarded the Fraunhofer Institut fur Bauphysik certification for algae and fungal resistant coatings.
As an EWI specialist and system designer, we are also a member of the recognised External Wall Insulation trade body. The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) has a 40 year history and a membership structure that represents contractors, system designers and associates. INCA membership is a marker of reputable EWI specialists with recognised standards of competence.
Aliva UK are also members of The Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA)
EWI – it’s not all white
Although neutral colours are most common, we have a swatch of over 400 colours from pastel shades to strong and darker colours. RAL and NCS colour matches can also be made if required.
EWI – brick beauty
We also offer fully certified clay and lightweight slip finishes, which can be used in isolation or combined with the textured finishes to create a traditional looking building facade.
Versatility of insulants
EWI is incredibly versatile, insulants come in a range of thicknesses to deliver the most energy efficient results for a specific project’s thermal requirements or can be used to create a particular design intent.
Optimising a nationwide retrofit programme
The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, it’s estimated that some 37.8% of the UK’s houses were built before 1945.
As INCA highlights as part of its 2024 call to Government, to optimise the delivery of an effective nationwide retrofit programme to improve these 10+million homes, there needs to be a prioritisation of the fabric first approach. EWI delivers the greatest cost saving impact on fuel bills of all Energy Efficiency Measures as well as delivering significant health benefits to tenants and residents.
Welsh new contract win for Aliva UK