ᐅ Is insulating the exterior wall worthwhile or not?

Created on: 1 Oct 2022 12:33
L
Lennox-69
Hello, I need your help. We have a single-family house built in 1976. The exterior plaster looks like eggshell plaster, as my wife calls it. So, it’s not really attractive. This led us to improve the outside appearance by adding a wooden facade with narrow horizontal slats. Insulation was not originally planned. After a conversation with our window installer (we also got new windows), he suggested installing mineral wool insulation in the substructure. The substructure is 30mm (1.2 inches) thick. He said it wouldn’t be much effort and would bring some benefits. I have read a lot but still don’t feel much wiser. Does it make sense to install mineral wool directly in the substructure? It can only be up to 40mm (1.6 inches) thick. Is it useful or better to leave it out as unnecessary?
L
Lennox-69
1 Oct 2022 14:22
No, there is absolutely no obligation to do so!
C
Costruttrice
1 Oct 2022 15:00
Lennox-69 schrieb:

No, there is absolutely no obligation for that!
It is as @hanse987 says: according to the Building Energy Act, there is an obligation if you renovate or reclad more than 10% of your facade.
L
Lennox-69
1 Oct 2022 15:04
Believe me, that is not the case for me! But that is not the point. I just wanted to know whether it makes sense or not. Nothing more, nothing less. Thank you.
S
SaniererNRW123
1 Oct 2022 15:21
Lennox-69 schrieb:

Believe me, that is not the case for me!

Now I’m curious how you bypass legal requirements. Please explain why that does not apply to your situation. Cladding is considered a renovation that requires insulation according to the Building Energy Act.
Lennox-69 schrieb:

I just wanted to know whether it makes sense or not. Nothing more, nothing less.

The clear answer was yes and no. Insulation makes sense, 30mm (1.2 inches) does not (regardless of the legal requirement).
L
Lennox-69
1 Oct 2022 15:27
I’m not sure how this relates to the original topic‍♂️, but the house is located in Vorarlberg…. I think it’s better to end the discussion here because everything is being debated except the actual issue. It was worth a try. Thank you for the very interesting discussion.
H
hanse987
1 Oct 2022 15:32
How are we supposed to know that your house is located in Austria?

The 3cm (1.2 inches) insulation won’t make much of a difference. However, if you are installing a new facade, it makes sense to upgrade the insulation to current standards at the same time.