Enhanced thermal insulation in building construction - The role of insulation in enhancing heat and climate preservation
Insulation of exterior walls is one of the most significant energy-saving measures for buildings, accounting for up to 25% of a building's energy losses. This makes it a crucial aspect of energy-efficient building renovation.
The Importance of Insulation
Planning offices or craft businesses can help select the optimal materials for your specific renovation project. Modern insulation materials not only minimize the risk of moisture damage and mold growth but also ensure compliance with fire safety and structural issues.
The Building Energy Act (GEG) in Germany sets requirements for retrospective (retroactive) façade insulation, focusing on improving thermal performance to meet energy efficiency standards. Retrofitting façade insulation must meet the thermal insulation standards defined by the GEG, ensuring improved energy performance of building envelopes.
Meeting GEG Standards
Fire safety is a crucial consideration when retroactively installing insulation. Insulation materials used must not worsen fire risk or reduce fire performance of the façade or loadbearing walls. The building envelope includes top and bottom floor slabs, in addition to exterior walls, and all must meet the GEG's standards.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Façade Renovation
Retrospective façade insulation increases the thermal efficiency of existing buildings, leading to lower heating and cooling energy demand. This supports compliance with GEG's energy-saving goals.
The use of appropriate systems allows for flexible construction sequencing and minimizes disruption during retrofit projects. Retrofitting reduces operational energy costs and environmental impact related to heating and cooling, contributing positively to achieving Germany's climate and energy targets under the GEG framework.
Additional Advantages
An energy-efficient façade renovation can save renovation costs by being combined with other maintenance measures like crack repairs or new paint jobs. Insulating the top floor slab is mandatory if the roof is not insulated and the attic is uninhabited for homeowners who moved into their property after 2002.
Effective insulation of exterior, basement, and attic ceilings can reduce energy costs, prevent mold growth, enhance living comfort, increase property value, and contribute to climate protection. Optimal thermal protection requires insulation of all building envelope walls.
A well-insulated façade offers advantages throughout the year, reducing heat transfer in summer and retaining heat in winter. A heating system replacement is a suitable time for simultaneous façade insulation, as the new heating system can usually be dimensioned smaller and more energy-efficient.
Overcoming Challenges
In some cases, external insulation is not possible, such as with listed buildings, restricted plot development, or disagreements among co-owners. In these situations, alternative insulation methods can be considered, such as internal or cavity wall insulation.
Other factors influencing the choice of insulation materials include fire and moisture protection, environmental compatibility, and price.
Funding Opportunities
The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings - Individual Measures (BEG EM) from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) supports the insulation of building envelopes and associated planning and construction.
NRW residents can find information on renovation topics and funding, as well as the contact details of renovation experts in various fields, on ALTBAUNEU's website. ALTBAUNEU's FördermittelCheck provides an overview of different funding programs, grants, and loans, as well as instructions on how to apply for funding.
Insulating beyond the requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG) can enable the use of funding. A water-repellent coating on the exterior façade can help prevent moisture from entering the walls from the outside.
In conclusion, energy-efficient façade renovation is a crucial step towards meeting Germany's climate and energy targets. By following the GEG's standards and considering various factors, building owners can ensure a well-insulated, energy-efficient, and comfortable living or working space.
- In environmental-science, insulation of exterior walls is one of the most significant energy-saving measures for buildings, accounting for up to 25% of a building's energy losses, making it a crucial aspect of energy-efficient building renovation.
- Retrofitting façade insulation is imperative to meet the thermal insulation standards defined by the German Building Energy Act (GEG), ensuring improved energy performance of building envelopes.
- The use of renewable-energy in façade renovation can contribute positively to achieving Germany's climate and energy targets under the GEG framework, as retrofitting reduces operational energy costs and environmental impact related to heating and cooling.
- A well-insulated façade, incorporating renewable-energy systems, can save personal-finance in the long run by being combined with other maintenance measures like crack repairs or new paint jobs.
- In addition to energy savings, effective insulation of exterior, basement, and attic ceilings can also enhance living comfort, increase property value, prevent mold growth, and contribute to climate protection.
- Finance opportunities, such as the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings - Individual Measures (BEG EM) from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), support the insulation of building envelopes and associated planning and construction, incentivizing building owners to pursue energy-efficient façade renovation.
