Thermal Insulation vs Thermal Plaster: The Best Choice for Sicily
Thermal Insulation vs Thermal Plaster: What to Choose for the Sicilian Climate?
A technical analysis of the best insulation solutions to protect your home from summer heat and winter humidity.
When discussing energy retrofitting in Sicily, applying standards designed for Northern Europe can be costly. Our Mediterranean climate poses unique challenges: short humid winters and long scorching summers.
If you are renovating your home with Marenetto Build, you have probably faced the dilemma: is traditional panel insulation or modern thermal plaster better?
Let’s analyze the technical differences focusing on performance in our region.
The Key Factor: Phase Shift and Breathability
Before comparing materials, we need to understand what a house in Sicily requires:
- Heat Protection (Thermal Phase Shift): In July and August, the insulator must delay heat entry until evening.
- Humidity Management: In coastal areas, walls must “breathe” to prevent interstitial mold.
1. Thermal Insulation (Panel Insulation)
The Limits for Sicily
- Thickness: Requires 8 to 14 cm thickness (problematic for thresholds).
- Risk of "Greenhouse Effect": Using cheap EPS may trap summer heat inside.
The expert advice: For Sicily, prefer Rock Wool or Cork to ensure better summer phase shift.
2. Thermal Plaster (Thermo-plaster)
A premixed mortar enriched with lightweight aggregates (perlite, cork, nanotechnologies).
The Advantages
- Adaptability: Perfect for historic centers and irregular facades.
- Excellent Breathability: Ideal for tuff or stone masonry.
- Heat Reflection: Many modern plasters repel solar radiation.
The Limits
At equal thickness, it insulates less than panel insulation. It might require additional measures to reach high energy classes (Superbonus).
Direct Comparison: Insulation vs Plaster
| Feature | Thermal Insulation | Thermal Plaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Thickness | 8 - 14 cm | 2 - 5 cm |
| Cold Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Heat Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Variable) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| < strong > Breathability strong > td >< td > Medium/Low td >< td > High td > tr >< tr >< td >< strong > Cost strong > td > | < td > Medium/High td > < td > Medium td > tr > tbody > table > div > section > < section > < h2 > Which One To Choose For Your Home? h2 > < h3 > Choose Thermal Insulation If: h3 > < ul > < li > You have a detached house or large outdoor spaces. li > < li > The goal is maximum energy class improvement. li > < li > Walls are made of reinforced concrete. li > ul > < h3 > Choose Thermal Plaster If: h3 > < ul > < li > You live in a historic center or protected building. li > < li > You have stone or tuff masonry that needs to breathe. li > < li > You want to fix micro-cracks on the facade. li > ul > section > < section style =" background-color:#eef7ff; padding:20px; border-radius:8px; margin-top:30px;" >< h2 > Still unsure what to choose? We can help you. h2 >< p > At < strong>Marenetto Build, we carry out a technical analysis of your masonry before suggesting a solution. Humidity levels in Palermo differ from inland areas — an accurate diagnosis is essential. p >
