SATE (Sistema de Aislamiento Térmico por el Exterior), known in English as external wall insulation, is an insulation method applied to the outer face of buildings to improve energy efficiency and comfort and to reduce the demand for heating and cooling. It is a system currently being used by our architecture studio in Málaga.
How does SATE work?
Insulation boards are fixed to the outside of the façade with adhesive and anchors. They are then reinforced with a glass-fibre mesh and covered with a decorative, protective render. The interior of the home is not affected.
What are the advantages of the SATE system?
SATE does not just insulate a building against heat and cold: it also brings a range of functional, financial and aesthetic benefits. It is a comprehensive solution for anyone seeking comfort, efficiency and a modernised envelope for their home or building. These are its main advantages:
- A marked improvement in thermal and acoustic insulation
- Lower energy consumption
- Increased property value
- Less façade maintenance
- A renewed, attractive finish
What materials are used in SATE?
The SATE system is made up of several layers that work together to provide insulation, protection and durability. These are the most commonly used materials, selected according to the type of project and the level of efficiency required:
- EPS (expanded polystyrene)
- XPS (extruded polystyrene)
- Mineral wool
- Base coat render and final finishing coat
- Reinforcing mesh
How much does a square metre of SATE cost?
The price of SATE ranges from €45 to €90 per m², depending on the insulation material (EPS, XPS or mineral wool), the type of finish and access to the façade. On large projects, the unit cost can come down.
Which is more expensive, a ventilated façade or SATE?
A ventilated façade is usually more expensive than SATE, at between €120 and €180 per m², compared with €50–90 per m² for SATE. The choice depends on the type of building, the technical requirements and the budget. Even so, SATE offers better value for money in residential refurbishment.
Why choose SATE over other systems?
There are various insulation options, but SATE stands out for its versatility and effectiveness in both refurbishment and new build. Compared with traditional methods, it offers unique benefits that make it one of the solutions preferred by building professionals and owners alike:
- No loss of usable interior space
- Better overall thermal performance
- Quick to apply, with no need for occupants to move out
- Excellent cost-benefit ratio
SATE is a modern, efficient solution for improving the thermal envelope of a building. It saves energy, cuts heating and cooling costs and renews the façade without invasive works. Compared with other systems such as the ventilated façade, it is a more economical solution and quicker to apply. Get in touch with our architects in Málaga to start your refurbishment project.
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