External wall insulation does have its place in the menu of measures. For example, there are over 80,000 properties like the one below in the UK:
This is a “park home”, also known as a permanently sited mobile home. These properties were exempt from building regulations, so are poorly insulated. However, external wall insulation can be clad onto the property to improve the householders comfort. Because park homes each have an individual character, it is a benefit to give a unique appearance! NEA has worked with manufacturers to design solutions for this. Two systems are currently being trialled:
- A new modular system for external cladding. It is manufactured off-site and is relatively quick to install. It is saving some park home owners up to 50% on their bills.
- A three-tiered system comprising polystyrene, wire mesh and a variety of renders. This is a high quality product which can take longer to install due to wet rendering involved.
In addition to this work, and with support form Mould Growth Consultants, and Scottish and Southern Energy, we are promoting this work to local authorities, manufacturers, site owners and those in the business of park home refurbishments. We are also lobbying Government to try and get these measures incorporated into initiatives designed to bring affordable warmth.