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EWI Remediation

EWI remediation involves investigating an existing external wall insulation (EWI) system, identifying the cause of any defects and carrying out the remedial works needed to restore its performance, durability and compliance.

Trident Facades provides EWI remediation services for residential, commercial and high-rise buildings across the UK, from initial investigation and remediation strategy through to design, specification and delivery of the works.

Speak to a EWI Remediation Specialist

What is EWI Remediation

External wall insulation (EWI) is a system applied to the outside of a building to improve thermal performance and weather protection. An EWI system can include insulation, fixings, basecoat, reinforcement mesh, render or other external finishes, trims, movement joints, cavity barriers and interfaces with windows, roofs and other elements of the building.

EWI remediation involves investigating the existing system and addressing defects, deterioration, installation issues or other problems affecting its performance. Depending on the findings, remediation may involve localised repairs, replacement of individual components, or removal and replacement of the wider EWI system.

EWI Remediation Services

Our EWI Remediation service includes:

  • Review of existing assessment information
  • Façade investigation
  • EWI system identification and assessment
  • Opening-up and intrusive investigation
  • Assessment of insulation and fixing systems
  • Assessment of render and external finishes
  • Remediation strategy
  • Design and specification
  • EWI system removal
  • Insulation replacement
  • Fixing and support system works
  • Basecoat and reinforcement mesh works
  • Render and external finish replacement
  • Movement joint and interface works
  • Window, roof and junction detailing
  • Making good
  • Completion

When Is EWI Remediation Required?

EWI systems can fail for a number of reasons, particularly where installation quality, detailing or material selection has not met the required standard.

Issues can include:

  • Cracking or delamination of render coats
  • Water ingress behind the insulation layer
  • Missing or inadequate cavity barriers and fire stopping
  • Insulation displacement or loss of adhesion
  • Defective interfaces at windows, doors and abutments
  • Inadequate mechanical fixing
  • Non-compliant insulation materials
  • Poor thermal performance

The appropriate remedial approach depends on the construction of the existing wall, the extent of the defect and the findings of the relevant survey or assessment.

The EWI Remediation Process

  • Assessment

    1

    A thorough investigation of the existing EWI system to identify defects, deterioration, or compliance issues.

    Reviewing existing assessment information, conducting facade surveys, opening-up and intrusive investigations, and assessing insulation, fixings, render, and fire stopping.

  • Strategy

    2

    Developing a tailored remediation plan based on the investigation findings.

    Determining whether the system can be repaired locally, requires targeted component replacement, or needs full system removal based on the condition of the existing wall.

  • Design

    3

    Engineering the required remediation and specification for the building envelope.

    Developing a buildable specification covering insulation performance, fire stopping, interface detailing, render choices, and regulatory compliance.

  • Removal

    4

    Safely stripping away defective or non-compliant elements of the existing facade.

    Erecting secure containment, carefully removing degraded render, insulation, and fixings, and responsibly clearing away inadequate cavity barriers.

  • Repair

    5

    Repairing and upgrading the underlying structure and fire barriers.

    Key actions: Correcting structural interfaces, installing proper mechanical fixings, and fitting certified cavity barriers and fire stopping at all critical junctions.

    See our Render Repair service.

  • Replacement

    6

    Rebuilding the insulation system to modern performance and safety standards.

     Installing new non-combustible insulation, basecoats, reinforcement mesh, window/roof interface details, and the final render or exterior finish.

    See our EWI Replacement service.

  • Completion

    7

    Final handover, quality verification, and project sign-off.

    Making good the work areas, conducting rigorous final inspections, and issuing the necessary completion documentation, safety certifications, and warranties.

EWI Remediation Does Not Always Mean Full Replacement

Not every defective EWI system needs to be stripped back entirely.

Depending on the evidence gathered, a suitable remediation strategy may involve repair of localised defects, replacement of specific components such as fire stopping or interfaces, or full system replacement where the underlying construction is unsuitable. The correct approach should be based on the condition of the existing wall rather than an assumption that the whole system must come off.

Who We Work With

We work with building owners, freeholders, managing agents, developers and housing providers who need to address defects identified in an EWI or rendered insulation system, whether through an FRAEW, fire risk assessment, condition survey or other report.

If you have an existing survey, FRAEW or condition report identifying issues with an EWI system, we can review the available information and discuss the appropriate next steps.

Talk to Trident Facades about your EWI remediation project.

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