EWI considerations before getting it done, advice needed

Quay_Koncept

Hi all, I’m considering getting external wall insulation (EWI) soon and had a few questions I’d love some advice on:

1. Should I replace my old fascia, soffits, and gutters before or after getting EWI — or does it matter?
   I want to get this right the first time and avoid having to redo anything.
2. My house extension doesn’t have a concrete path around it — just bare soil up against the outer wall.
   Is that normal, it was built in last 15 years? All houses I’ve seen have a concrete path around them.
3. Since EWI will stick out from the wall, do I need to put in a concrete path or plinth around the extension?
   I’m worried about rodents getting underneath, but also about rainwater or damp getting into the house.

Any thoughts or experiences would be much appreciated!😚

Nigzcurran

If your replacing soffit then do it before. Some people say the insulation should go right up under the eaves but ours was just installed up to the soffit. Think the path is just a personal choice if you want it or not but I'm sure having a path around the house is better than not having it , rodents will go under a path if they want to so that won't stop them

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123307559#Comment_123307559

"Some people say the insulation should go right up under the eaves" The EWI Manufacturers and Building Regulations are the "Some People" you are referring to…

Nigzcurran

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123313149#Comment_123313149

Yep I know you've said that before but seai seem happy for it to just go from footpath to soffit, that's why I said some people

Calahonda52

The soil makes it easier to drop the EWI down to below ground level as is desirable

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123313820#Comment_123313820

Yes and the Grants are paid for by me and you as taxpayers , Ireland is not a real country - Total Joke

Nigzcurran

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123314607#Comment_123314607

We'd be paying even more if they were going below ground level and up to the eaves 🫣😃

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123314802#Comment_123314802

But it make sense to go below ground , It also makes much more sense to have EWI continue up through eaves to meet Attic Insulation… Not leaving a big gap that makes the job a botch IMO.

Quay_Koncept

I could hold off and lay the concrete path around the external wall after installation, but Im thinking if the insulation layer went below ground even a few inches surely that would be easy for rodents to eat into and get access into the cavity, You may not even now there is a hole there as it would be under soil.

hydrus21

One of the purposes of a starter track at or below D.P.C. is to prevent rodent infestation.

dathi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123325354#Comment_123325354

they would be some rats if they were able to chew through the concrete blocks behind the insulation to get into the cavity

dathi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123325445#Comment_123325445

no it is used for mechanical strength for the bottom of the expanded polystyrene(eps) or rockwool boards at or above dpc level and below the starter track extruded polystyrene (xps)is used for its moisture resistance

hydrus21

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123333734#Comment_123333734

Yes. That is one of the purposes.

It is also to deter rodents.

https://insulationgo.co.uk/external-wall-insulation/aluminium-base-track-rail-vented-galvanised-steel-stainless-steel-pvc-ventilated-starter-start-first-ewi-heavy-duty-london-uk-online-eps-external-wall-track-clip-mesh/

10-10-20

There's a very good reason why the bottom rail would need to advertise that it's rodent proof - because if there was even a hint of a perception that rats could possibly burrow into the insulation then EWI would completely fail to sell - whether or not rats would ever burrow into it! So adverting that it's rodent proof is more-so a comfort feature rather than a necessity, but in saying that rats will gnaw at anything!