One of the first places to start is the external walls, with the National Insulation Association (NIA) highlighting that they are the cause of up to 35% of the heat lost from poorly insulated buildings. Implementing measures to address this problem and increase the thermal efficiency of a building will, therefore, conserve heat, reduce the demand on heating systems, and ease the pressure on escalating energy costs.

External wall insulation (EWI) is an effective way of delivering enhanced thermal efficiency. The NIA points out that it can trim fuel expenditure by as much as 25% while also providing a building with greater protection against the elements and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

As well as saving costs, improving insulation also delivers clear benefits for the environment through reduced demand on an energy supply chain still largely underpinned by fossil fuels. Indeed, in recently published research, overseen by former chief executive of the National Housing Federation David Orr, there is a call for the government to encourage improved insulation as part of “a transformative retrofit programme to improve the thermal efficiency of our homes”.[2]

In an ideal world, rendering would be carried out in dry conditions, and within a temperature range of between 5°C and 25°C. In recent years, however, the UK has experienced increasingly wet conditions (six of the ten wettest years have occurred since 1998) and temperatures have consistently exceeded the higher end of this range (the ten warmest years recorded occurred since 2002).[3]

If there is too much heat, drying can happen too quickly, leading to shrinking and an uneven finish; too much rain (or other form of precipitation) and drying happens too slowly, leading to render being washed off and moisture being trapped.

At Eden Façades, we have two decades’ experience of rendering properties in all seasons and weathers, equipping us with a wealth of knowledge on how best to approach the challenges presented by difficult environmental conditions. There are three key aspects:

1. Foresight

Because the weather plays such an influential role, it’s important to analyse reliable forecasts to get the most accurate possible picture of conditions on the planned applications dates. The planning and preparation stage should also consider the age and type of substrate and/or material the rendering is being applied to as well as the orientation of the elevation, looking at whether areas that will be exposed to full sun and areas that will be in shade, for example.

2. Formula

Advances in render formulas means that the choice of product can have a big impact on drying times, helping to mitigate the effects of adverse weather conditions. Selected silicone-based formulas, for example, offer improved resistance to rain and can be applied in low temperatures; mineral renders offer faster curing based on a chemical reaction, eliminating the problems associated with air drying; and a render accelerator will reduce drying time from 48 hours to 12 hours when combined with a pre-mixed silicone-based topcoat.

3. Flexibility

If weather conditions do prevail, we act quickly to reschedule contracted hours, always keeping the project schedule in mind and avoiding any costly delays. Communication is absolutely crucial in these situations, and we ensure that the workforce, main contractor and client are all given full, clear explanations of the situation and the contingency plan being actioned.

Guided by these three rules, we are able to navigate extreme weather events with minimal disruption and enable properties to benefit from improved thermal efficiency – a valuable attribute at a time of energy inflation.

 Get in touch with us today to find out more about how EWI can improve the thermal efficiency of your project and lower the overall cost of heating and cooling the building.

[2] https://ageing-better.org.uk/good-home-inquiry

[3] https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/climate-change/effects-of-climate-change