Retrofitting: A guide for non-residential buildings

Solid wall insulation - external
What’s involved
A layer of insulation material is fixed to the wall, which is then covered with a
special type of render (plasterwork) or cladding. The installation of external wall
insulation is less disruptive than internal insulation but will change the appearance
of your building unless you already have a render finish to your external walls.
Financial issues
Before starting
Cross-section of external wall
insulation (credit: BioRegional)
Around £175 per m 2
10% to 30% reduction in bills.
15 to 30 years.
Any problems with damp in the walls
should be remedied before installing
the insulation.
Re-pointing of brick walls, rendering
damaged render, painting the
windows, new roof, installation of
solar panels (make the most of the
scaffolding that is required).
Green Deal.
Planning issues
Planning permission required.
Insulation must meet the energy
efficiency standards set out in the
Building Regulations Approved
documents.
Conservation: You will need to
apply for
planning permission.
Other information
National Insulation Association:
www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk
/householder/index.phppage=installermembers
www.carbontrust.co.uk/cut-carbonreduce-costs/productsservices/technologyadvice/pages/building-fabric.aspx
Listed: You would need to apply
building consent. However, it is unlikely
that you would receive consent as the
external facade of the building will be
altered.
Building Futures Retrofit Module: A guide for non-residential buildings 35