SATE: Outer Thermal Insulation System
The energy inefficiency of homes is an aspect that we usually face summer or winter by having heat losses inside our homes. However, did you know that by improving the exterior insulation of the facades of our homes, the loss of energy is reduced by 57%? If you didn’t know, here’s everything about the SATE system, one of the best options for outdoor insulation.
What is SATE?
We are talking about an external thermal insulation system that was born more than 40 years ago in central Europe. This consists of placing an insulating material, which is protected by a layer of mortar and attached to the exterior walls of the facade of our house, in such a way it gives us greater thermal comfort to the interior, and at the same time favors energy savings and therefore economic savings.
An efficient system for both new construction and rehabilitation
The interesting thing about this system is that it can be applied to both new works and rehabilitations and brings with it several advantages in both cases.
In new buildings it reduces the energy cost from the beginning and results in aesthetic facades with great performance; while in rehabilitations it improves the aesthetics, savings and functionality of the houses, without reducing the space that we have inside and without interfering in our daily life, resulting in a new appearance.
Types of SATE insulation
There are different types of SATE systems on the market, which are classified according to the material used in your installation. Within the most conventional we can find:
- Expanded polystyrene SATE. It serves both for insulation and waterproofing; it’s the most used right now. It is covered with mortar and then a final coating to give it a better finish.
- Expanded graphite polystyrene SATE. This type of system is permeable and stands out among other materials for its large capacity as an insulator. Today it is considered to be the most efficient system on the market.
- Wood fiber panels. This type stands out for its great thermal inertia, which helps retain heat and release it during the day. In addition, it regulates moisture and helps to avoid the cold wall effect.
- Mineral wool SATE. It has the advantage that mineral wool is an acoustic insulator par excellence, so it is efficient in environments with high sound pollution. It is also resistant to high temperatures, so it is considered a “firewall”.
- Extruded polystyrene panels. It is an excellent hygroscopic insulator and very resistant to impacts.
Great advantages and a healthy indoor environment
As we have already mentioned, this system brings with it great advantages; among which we can find continuous exterior insulation eliminating thermal bridges, is easy to maintain, or rather, minimal maintenance. While increasing thermal insulation, it also increases sound insulation and has a wide range of colors, textures and finishes.
In addition, it gives us a healthy indoor environment, as it is eliminated by the condensation that walls can produce in the face of changes in temperatures.
Double savings
With this system in addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions (kg CO2/ m2 year), your home will get a better energy rating and see your energy bill reduced. Thermally insulating the facade from the outside generates economic and energy savings, as it reduces the energy losses that occur through the facade of the building. Therefore, spending less money on heating and cooling for our homes.
