Save energy with facade insulation
Insulating the facade is one of the most effective measures for sustainably reducing a building's energy consumption. Uninsulated exterior walls are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in a house—often accounting for 25 to 30% of heating energy loss. This not only drives up running costs, but also has a negative impact on living comfort and building value.
Professionally installed facade insulation improves the indoor climate, protects the building fabric from the effects of weather, and increases the long-term attractiveness of the property.
To help you make an informed decision about which insulation option is right for your building, here is a clear overview of the costs, systems, subsidies, and legal framework.
What costs can you expect for facade insulation?
The investment costs for facade insulation cannot be quantified in general terms. They depend, among other things, on the construction of the house, the insulation technology, the condition of the existing facade, and the area to be insulated. Depending on the solution, there can be significant price differences.
Cost overview by insulation type
The choice of insulation system has the greatest impact on the overall cost. Below you will find the most common types of insulation with realistic guidelines for single-family homes.
Interior insulation – when the facade cannot be altered
Interior insulation is primarily used in listed buildings or on architecturally sensitive facades. The insulation material is installed on the inside of the room without changing the exterior appearance.
Cost per square meter: approx. $100–220
Total cost for a single-family home: approx. $17,000–30,000
Why do prices fluctuate so much?
Costs and performance vary considerably depending on the insulation material. Traditional systems using wood fiber or calcium silicate are in the mid-range, while high-performance insulation materials such as aerogel are significantly more expensive but allow for very slim wall constructions. In terms of energy efficiency, interior insulation is less efficient than exterior insulation and requires careful planning to avoid moisture problems.
Core insulation (cavity insulation) – inexpensive and quick to install
Core insulation is only possible in buildings with double-shell masonry. Insulation material is blown into the existing wall cavity. The appearance of the facade remains unchanged.
Cost per square meter: approx . $80–130
Total cost for a single-family home: approx. $16,000–20,000
Why is this solution particularly cost-effective?
Since neither facade plaster nor new cladding is required, the construction work involved is minimal. However, a sufficiently wide and intact cavity is a prerequisite—this is particularly common in older buildings.
External insulation with composite thermal insulation system (ETICS)
The composite thermal insulation system is the most commonly used method for insulating facades. Insulation boards are mounted directly onto the existing exterior wall and then plastered over.
Cost per square meter: approx. $150–250
Total cost for a single-family home: approx. $18,000–30,000 or more
Why is ETICS so often chosen?
It offers good insulation performance at a comparatively moderate cost and is suitable for most types of buildings. There are restrictions on the subsequent facade design, as the system is less flexible than rear-ventilated facades.
Curtain wall (rear-ventilated external insulation)
Curtain walls are considered a particularly high-quality and durable insulation option. Insulation and separate exterior cladding, made of wood, metal, or fiber cement, for example, are mounted on a substructure.
Cost per square meter: approx. $270–350
Total cost for a single-family home: approx . $35,000–45,000 or more
Why are the costs higher?
The multi-layer structure with substructure, rear ventilation layer, and high-quality exterior cladding increases the material and installation costs. However, this solution offers impressive durability, excellent moisture protection, and great architectural freedom.
Scaffolding costs – a fixed component of facade insulation
Scaffolding is required for almost all facade insulation projects. The costs depend on the height of the building, accessibility, and the shape of the facade.
Cost per square meter of facade area: approx. $15–30
Typical total cost: approx. $2,500–5,000
Difficult access routes, sloping sites, or winding structures can significantly increase scaffolding costs.
How much does it cost to insulate a single-family home?
In practice, the total cost of facade insulation usually ranges between $20,000 and $40,000. Among other things, the following factors are decisive:
- Type and quality of insulation materials
- selected insulation technology
- Condition of the existing facade
- Scaffolding and assembly costs
- Desired surface and design quality
Depending on the design, long-term savings of 10–20% in heating energy can be achieved. In combination with subsidies, the investment often pays for itself faster than expected.
Which factors have a particularly strong influence on costs?
The biggest differences in cost arise from the wall structure and the condition of the existing facade. Buildings with double-shell masonry benefit from inexpensive core insulation, while solid exterior walls usually require costly exterior insulation.
Additional costs arise from necessary preparatory work such as plaster renovation, moisture remediation, or adjustments to window connections. The terrain, accessibility, and regional tradesmen's prices also play a role. Since every facade is unique, it is always advisable to compare several quotes.
Which insulation option is right for your building?
Interior insulation – only under specialconditions
Suitable if the facade cannot be altered. Technically challenging and limited in terms of energy efficiency.
Core insulation – minimal intervention, limitedeffect
Ideal for existing cavities, quick to implement, and cost-effective.
Composite thermal insulation system – provenstandard
Good insulation performance at an attractive price-performance ratio.
Curtain wall – maximum quality and designfreedom
Higher investment, but durable, robust, and architecturally flexible.
Subsidies and tax benefits
Energy-efficient facade insulation is widely subsidized in Switzerland. Depending on the canton, subsidies of CHF 40–80 per square meter are available, provided that the required U-value is met. In addition, there are regional subsidy programs offered by municipalities or energy suppliers.
You can get an overview at energiefranken.ch by entering your postal code.
All costs for insulation, demolition, and ancillary costs are also tax-deductible throughout Switzerland.
Do you need a building permit?
In most cantons, a building permit is required as soon as the structure, material, or appearance of the facade is changed. Pure maintenance work, such as repainting in the same color, does not usually require a permit.
As regulations vary from canton to canton, it is advisable to consult the relevant building authority at an early stage.
Conclusion: Facade insulation as a sustainable investment
A professionally insulated facade permanently reduces energy consumption, increases living comfort, and protects the building fabric in the long term. Thanks to subsidies and tax deductibility, now is a particularly good time to renovate your facade.
The right insulation option depends on the type of construction, budget, and objectives. Professional advice from a facade specialist provides clarity and ensures a technically and economically viable solution.
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