External wall insulation, or ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System, known in Spain as SATE), wraps the building in a continuous layer of insulation on the outside of the facade. It is one of the most effective ways of improving the insulation of an existing building, and it does not take a single centimetre away from the homes.
We install external wall insulation on residential blocks, detached houses and other buildings, often as part of a complete facade refurbishment.
What external wall insulation improves
Energy savings
It reduces heat loss in winter and overheating in summer, so you spend less on heating and air conditioning.
Comfort
Homes keep a steadier temperature and the walls no longer feel cold to the touch.
No condensation
It eliminates the thermal bridges at slab edges and columns, where damp condenses and mould appears.
A new facade
It protects the wall from rain and completely renews the look of the building.
When it makes sense to install it
- When the facade needs refurbishing anyway: that is the time to insulate it.
- If the homes are cold in winter or very hot in summer.
- If there is condensation and mould on the walls facing the street.
- If you want to improve the building’s energy rating.
How it is installed
Preparing the facade
We repair the substrate so that it is sound and flat.
Insulation boards
We fix the boards with adhesive and mechanical fixings, taking care over the junctions with windows and balconies.
Base coat
We apply a mesh-reinforced base coat that protects the insulation and prevents cracking.
Finish
We finish with a decorative render in the colour and texture chosen by the owners’ association (comunidad de propietarios).
Materials
The most common insulation is graphite expanded polystyrene, because of its good balance between insulating performance and price. When maximum fire protection and better sound insulation are needed, which is very useful on busy streets, we use stone wool.
Energy-efficiency refurbishment and grants
External wall insulation is usually the centrepiece of an energy-efficiency refurbishment, which can be completed with roof insulation and new windows. This kind of work often qualifies for public grants and tax deductions, which depend on each funding programme and normally require you to prove the savings with one energy performance certificate before the work and another one afterwards. We help you check which grants are available when you are ready to go ahead.
From Viladecavalls (Barcelona) we work across Spain and on international projects.
Have a similar project?
We visit you, assess the building and give you a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions about external wall insulation
What is external wall insulation (ETICS)?
ETICS, known in Spain as SATE, is an External Thermal Insulation Composite System: insulating boards are fixed to the facade and covered with a mesh-reinforced base coat and a decorative finish. The building ends up wrapped in a continuous layer of insulation, without losing any interior space.
Can external wall insulation be installed with residents at home?
Yes. All the work is done from the outside, so nobody’s home is touched and residents can carry on as normal.
What insulation material is used?
The most common is graphite expanded polystyrene, because it insulates well. When maximum fire protection and better sound insulation are needed, we use stone wool.
Does external wall insulation get rid of condensation and mould?
It helps a great deal: by insulating on the outside, the interior walls are warmer and the thermal bridges at slab edges and columns, which is where damp condenses, disappear. If ventilation is also poor, it is worth improving it.
Are there grants for external wall insulation?
There are usually grants for energy-efficiency refurbishment and deductions on Spanish income tax (IRPF), but they depend on each funding programme and on proving the savings with one energy performance certificate before the work and another one afterwards. We help you check which grants are available when you are ready to go ahead.
