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Insulating External Walls: Is There an Easier Way?

insulating external walls

Walls do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your home warm, dry and comfortable. But without proper insulation, they can’t meet the brief.

Heat can escape, cold air can seep in and opening your energy bills can cause your heart to skip a beat. For homeowners with solid walls (a feature you’ll see a lot in older properties in South Yorkshire) external wall insulation is the go-to solution. But we’ll let you in on a secret – insulating external walls using traditional wall insulation methods can be a headache. It involves layers of materials, multiple steps and a lot of time.

The good news? There’s an easier way. But before we get stuck in, let’s unpack how conventional external wall insulation works and why sprayed cork might be the better option for your home.

The conventional way: traditional external wall insulation

External wall insulation is a tried-and-true method to keep homes warmer. It reduces heat loss and can even refresh the appearance of tired exteriors. But it comes with its challenges.

How does it work?

Wall insulation sees insulation boards attached to the exterior of your home, then sealed and finished with a protective render. The process is effective, yes. But it can be lengthy and labour-intensive.

Here’s what’s typically involved when insulating external walls:

1. Preparation:

  • Walls are cleaned and any cracks or damp issues are addressed.
  • Fixtures like downpipes and outdoor lights are removed to create a smooth working surface.

2. Installation

  • Insulation materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS), mineral wool or phenolic foam are cut and affixed to the walls using adhesive and mechanical fixings.
  • The boards must be meticulously placed to avoid thermal bridging (heat escaping through gaps).

3. Reinforcement and rendering

A base coat render is applied to strengthen the structure of the exterior insulation. This step also helps improve the look of the walls from the outside.

4. Finishing touches

The last step is reinstalling any pipework that was removed during the installation process. Some minor adjustments might be needed to accommodate the extra cladding. Any gaps where pipework runs through the render will need to be sealed.

The result?

Better insulation, lower energy bills and a home exterior that looks fresher than the produce at Doncaster Market on a Saturday morning. But as effective as traditional insulation is for insulating external walls, it’s far from quick or simple. It requires precision, lots of time and often comes with a fair bit of troubleshooting.

The easier way: sprayed cork insulation

Does the idea of traditional external wall insulation feel overwhelming? Sprayed cork might be just what you’re looking for. It offers many of the same benefits but with fewer steps and less hassle. You’ll even get some added perks not offered by external wall insulation.

What is sprayed cork?

Sprayed cork is a natural, eco-friendly material made from cork granules mixed with resins. It’s applied as a liquid layer and bonds directly to the exterior walls of your home to create a seamless barrier that’s breathable and highly insulative.

Why choose sprayed cork?

Sprayed cork isn’t just an easier way to insulate external walls. In many ways, it’s smarter. Here’s why:

  • Simplified application

Unlike traditional wall insulation, sprayed cork doesn’t call for insulation boards or a complex installation process. Instead, it’s sprayed directly onto the surface of your walls and easily adapts to cover every nook and cranny.

  • Faster installation means less disruption

No need for extensive surface preparation with sprayed cork. Just a clean wall and some minor repairs.

  • Top-notch thermal and acoustic insulation

Cork is a natural insulator which makes it a terrific material to reduce heat loss and keep your home snug year-round. Yes, even in the harshest South Yorkshire winters. It also does a great job of acoustic insulation, making it a great option if you’re looking to dampen outside noise.

  • Breathable and damp-resistant

Breathability is a standout feature of sprayed cork. It allows moisture to escape from your walls which reduces the risk of trapped damp or condensation. Both are common issues in older Doncaster homes with solid walls.

  • Weather protection

South Yorkshire weather has its fair share of surprises, but sprayed cork is ready for whatever the skies throw its way. For starters, it’s water-resistant and shields your home from rain and wind. The material is also flexible which means it won’t crack as your home expands and contracts with temperature changes.

  • Aesthetic versatility

Sprayed cork isn’t just functional, it’s stylish too. It comes in various colours and finishes, so you can sidestep the joint lines that often appear with traditional insulation boards.

How sprayed cork is applied

Curious about how sprayed cork works for insulating external walls? Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Surface preparation

This part’s nice and easy. Clean the walls then repair any minor cracks or imperfections.

2. Masking

Mask windows, doors and other features to prevent overspray.

3. Spraying

The cork mixture is sprayed evenly across the wall surface, typically in multiple layers to ensure complete coverage and insulation.

4. Finishing touches

Once the material has cured, masking is removed, and the surface is inspected for consistency. The result? A smooth, insulating layer that’s functional, attractive and eco-friendly. What’s not to love?

Traditional wall insulation vs. sprayed cork: what’s the verdict?

Tossing up between traditional wall insulation and sprayed cork for insulating external walls?

Sprayed cork is quickly gaining traction as a more practical alternative. It’s faster, more flexible and offers additional benefits like breathability and weather resistance. All with a quick and simple installation process.

Sprayed cork is particularly suited to older homes with solid walls, where traditional insulation methods might present damp issues or aesthetic concerns. The bottom line? If you’re looking for a solution that combines efficiency with performance, sprayed cork is hard to beat.

Upgrade your insulation with Total Trades

Insulating external walls doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out affair. With sprayed cork, you can enjoy all the benefits of external wall insulation – thermal efficiency, reduced energy bills and a refreshed exterior – without the hassle of traditional methods.

If you’re ready to explore how sprayed cork could transform your home, Total Trades is here to help. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and guarantee a flawless finish. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward a warmer, more energy-efficient home.

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