External wall insulation helps solid wall homes retain more heat, reduce energy waste and improve year-round comfort. Compliant Retrofits provides professional external wall insulation in Manchester to help improve your home’s energy efficiency and appearance.
External wall insulation (EWI) wraps your home in a thermal blanket, reducing heat loss through solid walls by up to 40–50% while transforming the external appearance. Perfect for solid wall properties where internal space is limited.
Cut heat loss through solid walls by up to 40–50% — typically saving around £400–£700 per year on heating, depending on your property and usage.
EWI acts as a render — refresh tired brickwork, add a modern finish and choose your colour. Silicone, acrylic or mineral renders available.
Work happens outside — no furniture moving, no room size reduction, no need to redecorate.
Eligible households may receive full or partial support through ECO4 (which runs until 31 December 2026), subject to property assessment, supplier funding, scheme availability and final approval. Eligibility does not guarantee funding, and a customer contribution may be required.
EWI can significantly improve your EPC rating — solid wall homes often move up one or two bands, depending on the starting point and any other measures installed.
EWI is a layered building solution that adds a continuous insulation layer to the outside of the building, reducing heat loss and thermal bridging while improving weather protection and appearance. The layers, wall outwards:
A flexible cementitious or PU adhesive bonds the insulation securely to a properly prepared, cleaned wall surface — ensuring stability and long-term performance.
EPS, mineral wool or phenolic boards, typically 80–120mm thick depending on performance requirements — fixed with both adhesive and mechanical fixings for strength and wind resistance.
Disc anchors installed at around 4–8 per square metre secure the system and maintain uniform pressure across the surface.
Embedded with alkali-resistant fibreglass mesh — strengthens the system, prevents cracking and provides a solid base for the finish.
A weather-resistant, roller-applied coating that ensures proper adhesion and even absorption of the final layer.
Silicone, acrylic or mineral render applied at 1.5–3mm — protecting against weather, allowing breathability and giving the building its final decorative appearance.
We select high-performance insulation materials based on property type, available wall space, thermal targets and budget — each designed to meet UK building standards. The right specification for your home is confirmed at your free survey.
80–120mm · typical U-value ~0.18–0.22 W/m²K
One of the most cost-effective solutions, widely used in residential retrofit. Reliable thermal performance, moisture resistance and durability — suitable for most standard wall insulation applications.
80–120mm · typical U-value ~0.18–0.22 W/m²K
Adds excellent soundproofing and high fire resistance — ideal where acoustic comfort and safety matter. Breathable, helping manage moisture within the wall system.
60–100mm · typical U-value ~0.13–0.16 W/m²K
A high-performance option — among the most thermally efficient materials available. Particularly suited to properties with limited wall space where maximum performance is needed with minimal thickness.
EWI requires precise detailing for thermal performance, weather protection and long-term durability — the system must integrate seamlessly with the building’s existing structure to avoid moisture issues and thermal bridging.
EWI typically adds 100–150mm to external walls, which affects roof detailing — the eaves may need extending so rainwater is directed away from the insulated walls.
Untreated reveals become weak points for heat loss. We install insulated reveal boards (typically 25–50mm PIR) to reduce thermal bridging, plus compression seals for airtightness around openings.
The system is finished to prevent rising moisture affecting the building — typically terminated 150–200mm above ground level using a bellcast bead detail.
Installed at windows, doors, corners and roof lines — protecting the edges of the system, preventing cracking and ensuring a neat architectural finish.
EWI cost depends on the size, type and condition of the property, and the insulation system selected. Many homeowners may be eligible for government-backed ECO4 funding, which can significantly reduce or fully cover installation costs.
| Property type | Typical areas in Manchester | Indicative cost range | ECO4 funding | Your cost if fully funded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced house | Levenshulme, Burnage | £8,000–£12,000 | Up to 100% if eligible | From £0 |
| Semi-detached | Stockport, Oldham | £10,000–£15,000 | Up to 100% if eligible | From £0 |
| Detached house | Bramhall, Didsbury, Hale | £12,000–£20,000 | Up to 100% if eligible | From £0 |
Choosing Compliant Retrofits means working with a team that prioritises quality, compliance and long-term performance in every EWI project — systems that are energy-efficient and fully aligned with UK building standards and retrofit best practice.
Experienced installers of approved EWI systems, working with BBA-certified materials and trusted manufacturers to ensure durability, safety and performance.
We assess your eligibility for ECO4 funding, guide you through the application process and handle the necessary documentation to make the journey simple and stress-free.
Every junction matters. We carefully design and install eaves, window reveals and wall junctions to minimise thermal bridging and maximise energy efficiency throughout the property.
Silicone, acrylic or mineral render systems — matching performance requirements with your preferred aesthetic style and breathability needs.
From initial consultation and technical survey to installation and final sign-off — we manage the entire process with clear communication and professional oversight.
A no-obligation assessment covering your property’s suitability, potential energy savings and available funding options — before you commit.
Typically 2–4 weeks depending on property size and complexity — scaffolding erected in week 1, installation weeks 2–3, finish render weeks 3–4.
Usually permitted development, but listed buildings and conservation areas (e.g. parts of Didsbury, Chorlton, Hale) may require permission. We advise on your specific property.
Yes — we offer a range of colours and finishes, including silicone (self-cleaning), acrylic (durable) and mineral (breathable).
Not when installed correctly — EWI includes breathable renders and proper detailing at ground level, windows and roof to prevent damp. It can actually reduce condensation by warming the external walls.
You may qualify if you receive qualifying benefits or meet ECO4 Flex criteria through your local authority — ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026. Contact us for a free eligibility check.
Book your free consultation today — or simply contact us to discuss your external wall insulation.
Cavity wall insulation·Internal wall insulation·ECO4 scheme support
