Residents in 68 homes in Rugby will benefit from more energy efficiency thanks to the installation of the Stomix external wall insulation system. The project follows a £1M grant from the Government's Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), which has been match funded by Rugby Borough Council. The local authority has joined forces with E.ON to make the improvements to homes in Long Lawford and Rokeby, where fuel poverty rates are above the national average. The properties were built in the 1950s and have low energy performance due to solid wall construction.
To enhance energy efficiency and make the homes cheaper to heat, the StxTherm Robust system was specified. Part of the Stomix range, StxTherm Robust is an EPS-based external wall insulation system designed for social housing refurbishment. Ideal for low to medium rise housing, it prevents heat loss and eliminates thermal bridges. By insulating the outer leaf of each property, the entire structure becomes warm and dry, reducing the risk of condensation and associated mould growth.
Installed by Green Homes Solutions, the system was finished with a through-coloured Stomix silicone render in cream. Replacing the existing pebbledash, the new render has enhanced the exterior of each home, and is designed to be weatherproof and vapour permeable, allowing the walls to breathe and so overcoming the problems associated with conventional renders such as interstitial condensation which can lead to mould growth and freeze thaw cracking. Unlike traditional sand/cement renders which require frequent over painting to maintain their appearance, a through-coloured Stomix render does not require over painting to maintain its weatherproof or aesthetic qualities.
Johnny Carlin (Junior), Director of Green Homes Solutions said: “This project follows extensive planning, including retrofit assessments and thermal calculations to optimise the performance of the external wall insulation. The Stomix system was ideal for this type of refurbishment, providing a very cost-effective solution without comprising on quality. StxTherm Robust will maximise each home’s thermal performance while protecting the building’s fabric, helping tenants to save on their energy bills and providing an enhanced environment inside and out.”
The improvements follow a similar project in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which saw Sto’s external wall insulation system selected to upgrade terraced homes, most of which are managed by Peaks & Plains Housing Trust. Also installed by Green Homes Solutions and funded by the SHDF, this project included a range of Sto products to replicate the homes’ traditional brick appearance and complement architectural details, including StoCleyer B brick slips, StoDeco profiles and StoFentra Duo windowsills.
David Collier, Business Development Manager for the Retrofit & Funded Sector at Sto added: “Our Stomix systems are increasingly being specified as part of housing improvement programmes across the country. For local authorities and housing associations, external wall insulation is the most effective, long-term solution to improve thermal efficiency while reducing the risk of future repair and maintenance costs. “With a range of render options or mineral brick slips, aesthetics can also be enhanced or aligned to local planning needs.”
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