Ongoing research within the construction industry increasingly leads to technical advances, all designed to improve the performance and safety of building, maintaining and occupying property.

No longer is it solely the appearance of the outside of a building that matters. At EWI, we now use external wall systems that help maintain heat inside of the property that can reduce energy bills, both saving money and helping the environment by using a form of ‘green energy’.

Poorly insulated external walls are often a major source of heat loss that can be reduced using EWI insulation.

Some technical advances have led to tightening laws in the construction industry, and in particular, those affecting external wall cladding and insulation. Since 2017, EPS insulation board is permitted to be used only on constructions below 11 metres. Buildings above this height are permitted to use mineral wool slab insulation boards.

With insulation materials now incorporated into the external covering of the building there is no loss of internal space otherwise taken up with bulky insulation materials.

The new types of external wall systems we use can still enhance the external appearance of buildings but can also help lower the outside noise levels heard inside, creating a more comfortable and quieter working environment.

External wall systems generally comprise seven component layers as shown in the diagram here and can be fixed to a variety of substrates including brickwork, blockwork and render carrier boards.

External wall systems are also ideal for fitting to timber framed buildings.

And here at EWI we are continuing to help keep the heat inside