Home > EWI Systems for Solid Wall & Non-Traditional Properties
EWI Systems for Solid Wall & Non-Traditional Properties
Permarock systems are designed to provide thermal and aesthetic improvements to all forms of construction. However, they are especially well suited for the improvement of ‘hard to treat’ properties, such as solid wall and non-traditional buildings, and those for which cavity wall insulation is not suitable. Consequently, they are ideal for use on decarbonisation schemes and retrofit projects involving social housing.
With up to 35% of heat lost through the walls on ‘hard to treat’ and solid wall properties, the application of a Permarock external wall insulation system will provide a number of important benefits:
- Lower fuel bills: heat energy losses through the external walls are dramatically reduced. High levels of energy efficiency can be achieved over other forms of insulation, resulting in savings on energy bills.
- Weather protection: a Permarock system protects the building fabric from the worst excesses of the weather and allows damp structures to dry out. As a result, a longer useful lifetime can be expected from the building.
- Durability: Permarock systems are approved for use in all locations in the UK including those considered to have ‘very severe exposure’ (Level 4) for wind-driven rain. They have successfully been used in very severely exposed coastal sites.
- Healthier conditions: an external wall insulation system, when detailed correctly, can overcome the effects of cold bridging, thereby eliminating condensation and dampness.
- Interior comfort: with an EWI system installed, the original wall construction can be used as a heat store. This thermal mass helps to reduce temperature fluctuations and maintains a more comfortable internal environment.
- Improved appearance: our systems are durable and cost-effective, and can improve the appearance of older buildings.
- Greater convenience: EWI systems are applied externally, so the installation can take place without disruption to the occupants. For the same reason, there is no reduction in interior living or working space.
Low-Rise Housing
The installation of a Permarock external wall insulation system to a solid wall or non-traditional property can stabilise the structure by reducing thermal movements whilst also protecting the building fabric from water ingress and weathering. This can extend the useful life of the property.
Our systems also enhance the comfort of the building’s occupants by eliminating cold bridging, and by minimising the risks of dampness, condensation and mould-growth.
U-Values & Solid Wall Properties
The following table indicates the insulation thickness required to achieve a range of U-values for 229 mm solid brick construction:
We can carry out U-value calculations and condensation risk analyses for any specific wall construction. Please contact our technical department for further information.
Non-Traditional Housing
We offer solutions for many prefabricated reinforced concrete (PRC) house types, as well as for other non-traditional or system-built types, including:
Airey / BISF / Bison / Cornish / Dorran / Easiform / Hawthorne-Leslie / Hawksley BL8 / Orlit / Reema / Swedish Timber Frame / Tarran / Trusteel / Unity / Vic Hallam (various) / Wates / Wimpey No-Fines / Woolaway
The application of an EWI system will, in cold conditions, help to raise the temperature of the building fabric. This helps to eliminate interstitial condensation, reducing dampness, and allowing the property to dry out. Reducing the moisture content of concrete reduces the risks of reinforcement corrosion and can therefore prolong the life of the structure – a particularly important benefit for PRC buildings.
System specification and detailing can be extremely important on Non-Traditional property types. Our systems have been installed to most types of construction over the past 40+ years, so we can advise on the best solution for your specific scheme. (Please note that a structural survey may be required as properties must be structurally sound if they are to accept the EWI system load.)
Find out More
For further information about specifying systems for non-traditional properties, please call our technical support team on 01509 262924.
