Building insulation price

Building insulation is a key measure to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, improve the comfort of living and reduce heating and cooling costs. This article focuses on the process of building insulation, the factors influencing its cost and the cost of carrying out the work.

Building insulation involves the application of insulating material to external or internal walls, roofs and floors to minimise heat leakage and improve the thermal insulation of the building. The most commonly used insulation materials include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), mineral wool and, in some cases, eco-friendly materials such as fibreboard or hemp insulation.

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The cost of insulating a building is influenced by several key factors. The first and one of the most significant factors is the choice of insulation material. Polystyrene is the most commonly used material for facade insulation, mainly due to its availability and low cost. The price of EPS insulation is around £10-£15 per square metre, while mineral wool, which is more resistant to fire and has better soundproofing properties, costs from £18-£30 per square metre. More expensive materials can also be used for specific applications or in eco-friendly projects and can cost up to £45 per square metre.

The thickness of the insulation is another important factor. On average, insulation materials with a thickness of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) are used in insulation, with thicker insulation providing better thermal protection but also increasing costs. According to research, increasing the thickness of insulation from 4 inches to 6 inches (10 cm to 15 cm) can increase the price by 20-30%, but the energy savings can offset this increase in cost within a few years.

Labour is another significant cost factor. The cost of labour depends on the region, the scope of the project and the experience of the workers. On average, the price for labour to insulate a building ranges between £25-£45  per square metre. In urban areas where wages are higher, labour costs may be higher, which will increase the overall cost of the project. Specialised work, such as the installation of complex façade systems or the application of plasters with a high aesthetic standard, can increase the price by up to 30-50%.

The location of the project also affects the price of insulation. In cities with high housing and labor costs, the prices of weatherization services are higher, which is reflected in the total cost. Conversely, in smaller towns and rural areas, insulation costs are usually lower. Prices can also vary depending on the availability of materials and transport costs, which can form a significant part of the total project expenditure.

The climatic conditions in the area where the building is located also play a role in deciding the type and thickness of insulation. In colder areas, thicker insulation is needed to provide sufficient protection against heat leaks, which can increase costs. In areas with milder climates, a thinner layer of insulation may be sufficient, reducing the overall cost of the project.

According to statistics, building insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20-50%, depending on the material used and the quality of the work done. The return on investment in building insulation is usually in the range of 5-10 years, while in the case of thicker and higher quality insulation this period can be shorter. In addition, increasing the energy efficiency of a building contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions, which has a positive impact on the environment.

Building insulation procedure

Surface preparation: the first step in insulating a building is to thoroughly prepare the surface of the walls. This step includes cleaning the walls of dirt, removing old plaster or paint and smoothing out any unevenness. If moisture is present, remediation of the walls should be carried out to prevent mould problems and damage to the insulation.

Application of the insulation material: after the preparation of the walls, the application of the insulation material starts. The insulation boards are glued to the walls with a special adhesive and then additionally fixed with mechanical anchors to ensure their stability. The insulation boards must be properly arranged and tightly fitted to avoid thermal bridges that could reduce the effectiveness of the insulation.

Installation of the reinforcing mesh and plaster: the reinforcing mesh is applied to the insulation boards and fixed into the adhesive layer. The mesh serves to stiffen the surface and prevent cracking of the final plaster. Finally, a top plaster is applied to protect the insulation from the weather and to provide an aesthetic function. The type of plaster (mineral, acrylic, silicate or silicone) is chosen according to the requirements for appearance and durability.

Finishing: After the application of the plaster, finishing works follow, such as the installation of sills, flashings, or other details that ensure the complete appearance and functionality of the insulation. These details may also include the installation of guttering systems or additional waterproofing measures.

Insulating a building is a complex process that requires thorough preparation, quality materials and precision work. The cost of insulation is influenced by the choice of insulation material, the thickness of the insulation, the cost of labour, the location of the project and the climatic conditions. Properly insulating a building leads to significant savings on energy costs and improved living comfort, making this one of the most beneficial investments in the construction industry.

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Benefits of insulation:

• Thermal insulation: reducing the heat loss of the building and saving energy for heating and cooling.
• Reduce CO2 emissions: reducing energy consumption leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental protection.
• Thermal comfort: improved indoor thermal comfort thanks to more stable temperatures throughout the year.
• Elimination of mould and condensation: reducing the risk of mould and condensation on walls.
• Increase in property value: an insulated and renovated building has a higher value on the real estate market.

Advantages of facade works:

• Aesthetic appearance: the façade completes the overall appearance of the building and influences its aesthetic value.
• Facade protection: the facade protects the building's exterior walls from weather elements such as wind, rain, snow and UV radiation.
• Increase the lifetime of the façade: A quality façade extends the lifetime of the external walls and reduces maintenance costs.
• Improving sound insulation: a façade with the right materials can improve the sound insulation of a building and reduce noise from the outside environment.

The process of insulation and facade works:

Preparatory phase:

1. Professional assessment: before starting the work, it is important that a professional inspects the condition of the building and proposes a suitable solution for the insulation and facade work.
2. Choice of materials: the choice of materials for insulation and façade depends on the type of building, the desired characteristics and the available budget.
3. Handling permits:Depending on the location and scope of the work, a building permit or notification of construction work may need to be processed.

Implementation:

1. Preparation of the substrate: The facade surface is stripped of dirt, old paint and loose parts.
2. Installation of scaffolding: if necessary, scaffolding will be installed for safe access to the façade.
3. Bonding of thermal insulation boards: the thermal insulation boards are fixed to the facade with adhesive.
4. Reinforcement and reinforcement: depending on the type of insulation, a reinforcing mesh is applied to the thermal insulation boards and a layer of reinforcing mastic is applied.
5. Applying the facade paint or plaster: after the reinforcement layer has set, the facade paint or plaster is applied to the facade in the desired colour and texture.

Finishing:

1. Scaffolding removal: the scaffolding shall be dismantled when the work is completed.
2. Cleaning: the workplace shall be thoroughly cleaned.
3. Handover of the work: The expert checks the quality of the work and hands over the work to the client.

Important tips:

• When choosing a contractor, pay attention to his references and experience with the implementation of insulation and facade works.
• Don't forget about the warranty on the work and materials used.
• If you have any questions, please contact an expert.

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Types of thermal insulation for building insulation from the exterior

When selecting thermal insulation for the insulation of a building's exterior, it is important to consider various factors such as the required insulation properties, the type of construction, the thickness of the insulation and the available budget. There are several types of thermal insulation available on the market, each with its own characteristics and benefits:

1. Mineral wool:

• It is one of the most common and effective thermal insulations.
• It is made of basalt, glass wool or mineral wool.
• It is characterized by high thermal insulation, vapour permeability and fire resistance.
• It is suitable for insulation of walls, ceilings, attics and pitched roofs.
• Available in various thicknesses and forms (boards, mats, foils).

2. Polystyrene (EPS):

• Another popular thermal insulation with a low price.
• It is made of expanded polystyrene.
• It is characterized by low thermal conductivity and low weight.
• It is suitable for insulation of walls, ceilings and attics.
• Available in various thicknesses and forms (slabs, mats).
• Inferior vapour permeability compared to mineral wool.

3. Polyurethane foam (PUR):

• Highly effective thermal insulation with excellent thermal insulation.
• It is applied by spraying or foaming directly onto the surface to be insulated.
• It is characterized by high resistance to moisture and mould.
• Suitable for insulation of walls, roofs, ceilings and attics.
• Higher price compared to EPS and mineral wool.

4. Aerogel:

• The latest and most modern thermal insulation with unique properties.
• It is made of microscopic silicate gel pores.
• It is characterized by extremely low thermal conductivity and low weight.
• Suitable for insulation of passive and low-energy houses.
• High price compared to other insulations.

5. Wood fibre insulation:

• Ecological and environmentally friendly thermal insulation made of wood fibre.
• It is characterised by good thermal insulation and vapour permeability.
• Suitable for insulation of walls, ceilings and attics.
• It may have a slightly higher price compared to EPS.

In addition to choosing the type of insulation, it is also important to consider:

• Insulation thickness: the thickness of the insulation should correspond to the required level of thermal insulation and the climatic conditions of the location.
• Thermal conductivity: thermal conductivity indicates the ability of a material to transfer heat. The lower the thermal conductivity, the better the thermal insulation.
• Vapour permeability: vapour permeability indicates the ability of a material to transmit water vapour. Moisture in the structure can lead to mould, so it is important to choose insulation with sufficient vapour permeability.
• Fire resistance: Some thermal insulations are fire resistant, which is important for fire safety.
• Environmental aspects: when choosing insulation, you can also consider its environmental aspects, such as recyclability or the use of renewable resources.

Installation, dismantling and rental of scaffolding up to a height of 32 feet (10 m) for the insulation of a building

Scaffolding is an integral part of building insulation, especially when working at heights above 2 metres. It provides a safe working platform and enables the installation of insulation systems and facade materials.

Installation of scaffolding:

1. Choosing the type of scaffolding: there are several types of scaffolding, such as frame scaffolding, modular scaffolding and facade scaffolding. The choice of scaffolding type depends on the height of the building, the complexity of the façade and the available budget.
2. Anchoring the scaffolding: the scaffolding is anchored into the ground with anchors, bolts or weights. It is important that the scaffolding is stable and weatherproof.
3. Assembly of working platforms: The work platforms shall be mounted at the required height and secured with guardrails and safety nets.
4. Access to the scaffolding: the scaffolding should be accessed safely, for example by a staircase or ladder.

Scaffolding dismantling:

1. Removing materials from the scaffolding: all materials and tools shall be removed from the scaffolding prior to dismantling the scaffolding.
2. Dismantling of working platforms: Work platforms are dismantled in the reverse order of assembly.
3. Loosening anchors and bolts: anchors, bolts and weights are loosened and removed.
4. Removal of scaffolding: the scaffolding shall be dismantled and removed from the construction site.

Scaffolding rental:

You can hire scaffolding from a specialist scaffolding hire and erection company. When choosing a company, pay attention to its references and experience in scaffolding installation for building insulation.

Important tips:

• Before erecting the scaffolding, read the construction documentation and follow the scaffolding manufacturer's instructions.
• Wear protective gloves, goggles and a helmet when working on scaffolding.
• Be safe when working at heights.
• In case of any doubts, contact an experienced scaffold erector.

Insulating a building and carrying out facade works is an investment that will pay off in terms of energy savings, reduced CO2 emissions, improved thermal comfort and aesthetic appearance.

Calculate the price of construction works