Is External Wall Insulation Fireproof?

All insulation materials have a Euroclass rating. The Euroclass rating was designed to combat the lack of regulation for insulation materials across Europe. External wall insulation boards have to undergo up to five different tests to achieve a Euroclass rating. Insulation that has an A1 rating is non-combustible, and insulation that has an F rating is the most combustible that a material can be. We stock Kingspan Kooltherm insulation boards for external walls and cladding. They contain a fibre-free thermoset phenolic foam. When fire makes contact with phenolic insulation, two reactions happen. Pyrolysis (thermal decomposition) occurs and a black scorch mark appears on the board at the point of contact. The boards in the Kooltherm range are not fireproof, but they do have a rating that lands in the middle of the scale. Kingspan Kooltherm K5 wall insulation boards have a Euroclass rating of C, which means they have limited contribution to fire.

Is External Wall Insulation Waterproof?

Phenolic boards are water-resistant. They have a closed-cell structure and only absorb around 2% of moisture. They are also faced with either glass tissue or composite foil, which both function as an extra layer of protection for your building. Kingspan Kooltherm K5 is designed for a range of purposes. It can protect small domestic properties and large commercial properties alike from the elements. We recommend phenolic external wall insulation cladding for those who want to reduce their heat consumption in areas with high rainfalls.

How to Install Exterior Wall Insulation?

We discourage homeowners from installing solid wall insulation themselves. In most cases, homeowners employ professionals to install external solid wall insulation. This type of insulation can also change the outward appearance of your home, which may require planning permission. The installation process is complicated and involves lots of different steps. Professionals have to undertake render tests, remove pipework, and protect windows before they can even think about installing external wall insulation. When it comes to high-performance thermal materials, it pays to speak to the experts.

What Type of Walls Can External Insulation Be Fitted To?

External insulation is specifically designed to be installed in solid-wall properties on solid brick walls or block walls (man-made masonry). Unlike cavity walls, solid walls feature no gap, so they can't be filled with cavity wall insulation.