INSULATING WITH EXTERNAL WALL SYSTEMS.

In the U. K. several external wall insulation systems have been researched and developed, specifically for the UK market over the past 10 to 12 years. However, it is only in the last six years that they have been commercially available, during which time at least 4000 dwellings have been insulated. There are three basic components to an exterior insulation system: the insulant, the fixing and the cladding. Classification of the systems can be in terms of any single or combination of these three items. The major systems being promoted are: (a) Low density renders, (b) insulation slab system, and (c) insulation slab system using lathing. The surface coatings applied on the exterior of the insulation has to accommodate many new performance criteria.