Last updated on 28th October 2025 by Fitzgerald Surveying

Fitzgerald Surveying Services carried out an independent inspection of an External Wall Insulation (EWI) installation in Oxfordshire to verify workmanship quality and ensure compliance during a wider home renovation project.

Our impartial review helped the client correct installation issues early, protecting thermal performance and long-term durability.

Overview

A private homeowner in Oxfordshire requested an independent inspection of their External Wall Insulation system, which featured EPS insulation boards with a brick slip finish. The goal was to improve thermal performance while preserving the home’s traditional brick appearance. Fitzgerald Surveying Services was appointed to review the installation stage and provide a written report highlighting any defects and corrective actions.

Correct installation is vital to the system’s long-term success. Our impartial inspection ensured potential issues could be addressed before finishes were applied.

Our Response

We attended the site to carry out a visual inspection during the installation phase. The review focused on fitting consistency, fixings, mesh application, detailing around openings, and weather protection. Our findings were presented in a clear report supported by photographs and contractor-ready recommendations for each identified issue.

Method in Brief

EPS Board Review: Fitting alignment, insulation level and surface continuity across elevations and openings.

Detailing & Fixings: Mesh and basecoat checks, fixing placement, and adequacy of edge detailing and junctions.

Weathering Interfaces: Guttering alignment and roof overhang adequacy in relation to EWI depth.

Corrective Guidance: Defects highlighted with photographs and practical actions for rectification.

Outcome & Deliverables

The client received a detailed written report including annotated images and performance-based commentary. We identified several issues requiring attention to avoid long-term problems such as cold bridging, cracking and water ingress. Based on our findings, the following actions were taken:

Installation Adjustments: Insulation boards re-cut and re-aligned to ensure uniform coverage.

Fixing Corrections: Additional mechanical fixings applied to meet wind-loading and system integrity requirements.

Roof & Gutter Detailing: Guttering adjusted and roof overhang extended to maintain proper drainage and weather protection.

By acting during the installation phase, the client was able to safeguard the EWI system’s performance and avoid post-completion remedial costs.

Why It Matters

External Wall Insulation systems rely on precise workmanship to deliver energy efficiency and durability. Independent inspections help identify workmanship and detailing issues before they lead to performance failures. This case demonstrates the value of engaging a surveyor at the right stage—ensuring issues are corrected early and long-term benefits are secured.

We offer impartial inspections, quality assurance reviews, and thermal performance assessments for all insulation types across residential and retrofit projects.

Fitzgerald Surveying Services provide professional insulation inspections and performance surveys for EWI, IWI, cavity and solid wall systems, plus heat-loss diagnostics and more!

Contact us for EWI inspection and condition surveys across Oxfordshire including Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Banbury, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Thame, Witney and surrounding areas…