Blog

Advice & insight

Straight-talking guides on insulation, render and energy efficiency, written by the team that does the work.

Brick slips vs traditional brick: which is right for your project?
1 September 20266 min read

Brick slips vs traditional brick: which is right for your project?

Brick slips give you the look of a solid brick wall at a fraction of the thickness. Here is how they compare with laying real bricks, and when each makes sense.

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Do you need planning permission for external wall insulation?
26 August 20265 min read

Do you need planning permission for external wall insulation?

For most houses external wall insulation is permitted development, but there are important exceptions. Here is what to check before you start.

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Insulation grants in the UK: ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme
18 August 20266 min read

Insulation grants in the UK: ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme

There are two main government-backed routes to help with the cost of insulating your home. Here is how they work and how to find out if you qualify.

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Can render be applied in winter? Cold-weather rendering explained
11 August 20264 min read

Can render be applied in winter? Cold-weather rendering explained

Render and cold weather do not mix well, but that does not mean all work stops between November and March. Here is how we manage it.

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Black staining on outside walls: why it happens and how to stop it
4 August 20264 min read

Black staining on outside walls: why it happens and how to stop it

Green and black growth on a rendered or painted wall is telling you the surface stays wet. Here is what causes it and what actually fixes it.

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External wall insulation or cavity wall insulation — which does your home need?
28 July 20265 min read

External wall insulation or cavity wall insulation — which does your home need?

The right answer depends almost entirely on how your walls were built. Here is how to tell what you have and what suits it.

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How much does external wall insulation cost in the UK?
14 July 20266 min read

How much does external wall insulation cost in the UK?

A straightforward breakdown of what external wall insulation costs on a typical UK home, what drives the price up or down, and how long it takes to pay back.

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Silicone render vs monocouche: which should you choose?
28 June 20265 min read

Silicone render vs monocouche: which should you choose?

Both give a modern, low-maintenance finish, but they behave differently. Here is how to pick the right one for your property.

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Seven signs your home badly needs insulation
5 June 20264 min read

Seven signs your home badly needs insulation

Cold walls, condensation and rocketing bills are all telling you something. Here is what to look for before winter arrives.

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PAS 2035 explained for homeowners
19 May 20265 min read

PAS 2035 explained for homeowners

The UK retrofit standard sounds technical, but it exists to protect you. Here is what it means in practice.

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Preparing your home for rendering work
30 April 20264 min read

Preparing your home for rendering work

A little preparation makes the job faster, cleaner and cheaper. Here is what we ask homeowners to do before we arrive.

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