External Wall Insulation Grants UK
Get free or heavily subsidized external wall insulation through ECO4, GBIS, and local authority grants - worth £8,000-£14,000
Check Your Grant EligibilityWhat is External Wall Insulation (EWI)?
External wall insulation involves applying insulation boards to the outside of your home's walls, then covering them with a protective render or cladding. It's the most effective insulation method for solid-walled properties, which make up around 8 million UK homes.
While EWI typically costs £8,000-£14,000 privately, multiple government grants can cover 100% of the cost for eligible households, making it completely free.
Why External Wall Insulation?
- No loss of internal floor space (unlike internal wall insulation)
- Improves property appearance with fresh render/cladding
- Protects walls from weather damage
- Reduces energy bills by 30-40% for solid-walled homes
Available EWI Grant Schemes
ECO4 Scheme
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the primary grant scheme for external wall insulation, covering 100% of costs for eligible households.
Route 1: Benefits-Based
Receive any of these benefits:
- • Universal Credit
- • Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)
- • Income Support
- • JSA (Income-based)
- • ESA (Income-related)
- • Working Tax Credit / Child Tax Credit
- • Child Benefit (with income under £20,500)
Route 2: Low Income (LA Flex)
Household income requirements:
- • Household income under £36,000/year
- • Property EPC rating D, E, F, or G
- • Referred by local authority or other organization
Grant covers: Full cost of EWI installation (£8,000-£14,000), including insulation boards, render/cladding, scaffolding, and labor. Property must have solid walls (no cavity) and EPC rating D-G.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
GBIS specifically targets low-income households for insulation upgrades, including external wall insulation.
Eligibility:
- Council Tax Band A-D (England, Scotland, Wales)
- EPC rating D, E, F, or G
- Owner-occupier or private tenant (with landlord permission)
Important: GBIS may require a homeowner contribution (typically 10-30%) for expensive measures like EWI. However, many households qualify for both GBIS and ECO4, which can cover 100% of costs.
Local Authority & Regional Grants
Some councils offer additional EWI grants or top-up funding to reduce homeowner contributions.
Scotland
Home Energy Scotland offers grants up to £7,500 for external wall insulation through the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.
Wales
Nest scheme provides free EWI for low-income households with an EPC rating of E, F, or G.
Northern Ireland
Affordable Warmth Scheme offers grants for solid wall insulation, means-tested based on household income.
Local Councils
Some councils offer top-up grants or interest-free loans. Check with your local authority for schemes in your area.
EWI Cost Breakdown
Understanding what's included in external wall insulation costs helps you appreciate the grant value:
With ECO4 grant: Eligible households pay £0. The grant covers the full cost, including all materials, labor, scaffolding, and additional work. You'll also receive a 25-year insurance-backed guarantee.
Benefits of External Wall Insulation
Massive Bill Savings
Save 30-40% on heating bills. For a typical solid-walled 3-bed semi spending £1,800/year on heating, that's £540-720/year saved - £13,500-18,000 over 25 years.
Warmer, More Comfortable Home
Eliminates cold walls, reduces drafts, and maintains consistent temperatures throughout your home. No more cold spots or damp issues.
Improved Property Value
EPC rating improvement (typically 2-3 bands) makes your property more attractive to buyers. Plus fresh render/cladding improves curb appeal. Expect 5-10% property value increase.
Environmental Benefits
Reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5-2 tonnes annually. Protect your home from weather damage. Contributes to UK net-zero targets.
How to Apply for EWI Grants
Check Eligibility
Use our eligibility checker or contact an approved installer. You'll need your postcode, benefits information (if applicable), household income, and EPC rating.
Property Survey
A surveyor visits your home to assess wall type, condition, and suitability for EWI. They'll measure wall area, check for dampness, and identify any required preparatory work.
Grant Approval & Quote
Installer submits grant application. Once approved (typically 2-4 weeks), you receive a detailed quote showing what's covered and any contribution required.
Installation
Installation takes 2-4 weeks depending on property size. Includes: scaffolding erection, wall preparation, insulation board installation, render/cladding application, finishing work.
Sign-Off & Warranty
Final inspection ensures work meets standards. You receive a 25-year insurance-backed guarantee, completion certificate, and updated EPC showing your improved energy rating.
Ready to Apply for EWI Grants?
Check your eligibility and get free quotes from approved installers in your area
Check Your Grant Eligibility NowFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for external wall insulation?
Usually no - most EWI installations are permitted development. However, you may need permission if: your property is listed, in a conservation area, or you're changing the appearance significantly. Your installer will advise based on your specific circumstances.
How long does EWI installation take?
Typical installation takes 2-4 weeks depending on property size and weather conditions. A 3-bed semi usually takes 2-3 weeks. Work includes: 2-3 days scaffolding setup, 1 week wall preparation and insulation board fitting, 1 week render/cladding application, 2-3 days finishing and scaffolding removal.
What if I have cavity walls, not solid walls?
EWI grants are primarily for solid-walled properties (built before 1920s). If you have cavity walls, cavity wall insulation is much cheaper (£1,500-£2,500) and also available free through ECO4/GBIS. A surveyor can determine your wall type during the assessment.
Can I choose the render color and finish?
Yes, most installers offer several color options (typically white, cream, grey, or earth tones) and finish types (smooth, textured, pebbledash). Choices may be limited with fully grant-funded installations but you can usually select from standard options at no extra cost.
Will EWI make my rooms smaller?
No - external wall insulation is applied to the outside of your property, so you don't lose any internal space. This is a major advantage over internal wall insulation, which reduces room size by 10-15cm on each external wall.
What's the warranty on EWI work?
ECO4-funded installations include a 25-year insurance-backed guarantee covering defects and installation issues. You'll also get manufacturer warranties on materials (typically 10-25 years). Privately-funded work usually comes with a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Get Free External Wall Insulation
Don't pay £8,000-£14,000 privately. Check if you qualify for 100% grant funding through ECO4 or GBIS.
Check EWI Grant Eligibility