Thomas Armstrong - Information Zone

Externally Insulated 'SIM' Walls

Externally Insulated 'SIM' Walls

SIM walls are basically a solid masonry block wall (Airtec aerated or lightweight aggregate concrete) with the insulation fixed to the exterior of the wall, rather than inside a cavity or drylined on the interior of the building.

• Using only 2 layers, u-values as low as 0.08 W/m²K can be easily achieved more simply, cheaply and more effectively than alternative methods!
• An equivalent framed construction would require multiple layers of different materials expertly installed to achieve the same level of thermal insulation.
• Zero risk of interstitial condensation (damp) occurring between layer interfaces or within cavities.
• Very quick, flexible and simple build method. Sites can be switched on or off as required - no lead-time unlike framed alternatives.
• No cold bridging.
• Excellent air tighness.
• Fully water resistant.
• Maximises the thermal mass benefits of masonry construction which a framed alternative cannot achieve.
• Robust, durable, easy to fix internal fittings to.
• Can be extended onto, modified easily, unlike framed constructions.
• Wide range of external finishes - brick slip, rendered or both.