INCA, the recognised trade association for the external wall insulation (EWI) industry in the UK, announce the publication of the second in a series of three best practice guides on the installation of external wall insulation designed to ensure that EWI systems are fit for purpose and installed to the very highest standards.
Following on from the best practice guide for EWI systems incorporating a render finish which was published in April of this year this second guidance document focusses on external wall insulation systems finished with brick slips and defines the installation process, standardises common details, and provides useful information on the materials and components that make up a finished system.
Image: Stanford Le Hope, Wetherby BS
It covers all aspects of EWI incorporating brick slips including:
- System types, materials, and components
- Statutory bodies, accreditations, and approvals
- Overview of different construction methods
- Installation methods and processes
- Standard detail drawings
- Condensation and damp
- Project completion
- Post installation maintenance
Designed to support all sectors of the industry (new build, refurbishment, domestic and non-residential), the new INCA best practice guide for EWI with brick slip finishes defines the recognised standards required to achieve optimal thermal performance and to ensure the highest quality of installation and aesthetically pleasing results. It is also intended to help and inform specifiers, main contractors, and clients in the correct choice of system for their projects.
John Sparrow, Executive Director of INCA, said: “Across the UK the traditional style of building with brick retains its popularity with around 70% of new homes being built with a brick façade. There’s little wonder then as to why EWI systems featuring a brick slip finish are increasing in popularity to the extent they are. Innovation means that brick slips need not merely be represented by thin cuts of actual clay bricks these days, instead a traditional brick finish can be accurately represented by ceramic slips, mineral based products or the more flexible and lightweight acrylic or synthetic brick slips. All these different systems are covered in this new guidance documentation.”
Jane Wiltshire, Company Secretary for INCA added: “INCA and its members are committed to improving standards in EWI through the development of technical guidance and the sharing of best practice. The publication of this second in a series of three new external wall insulation best practice guides scheduled for 2024 further reinforces the fact that INCA members are leading the way in EWI standards and innovation and remain uniquely placed to represent the industry by delivering the highest quality and service for clients.”
The development of this second best practice guide further demonstrates how INCA are leading the way as the recognised trade association for the EWI industry in the UK. It’s an essential resource for everyone involved in external wall insulation and represents a huge step forward at a time of significant opportunity across many sectors of the market.
Completing the set of three, the INCA best practice guide for EWI systems incorporating a drained cavity is currently work-in-progress with publication scheduled before the end of Q1 2025.
