Why use External Wall Insulation Reveal Beads?

What is Reveal Bead?

Reveal bead is plastic beading used around window frames to create a neat and tight finish on your render. The reveal, in case you didn’t know, is the wall into which your window frame is set. The width of the reveal can be 20 or 30 centimetres in some properties, whereas if the window has been installed flush with the wall then there may be no reveal at all.

There are many different types of beading – corner beads are plastic strips that run down the corner of the insulation, and stop beads can be found where the insulation or render meets another wall. There are plenty of types of beading, but the end goal with all of them is to create a neat flush finish with whatever surface the edge of the render comes in contact with.

Silicone Sealant vs Reveal Bead

Some installers will not use reveal beading, instead opting to use a silicone sealant to seal the edge of the render and the frame of the window or door. This will do the job, but silicone sealant has some really important downsides and you should try to avoid using it where possible:

• Silicone sealant has a very short lifespan – after a few years, it will start to peel away from the wall and allow water to get in behind the insulation. Regular replacement is therefore necessary. Beading has a lifetime warranty just like the rest of the system.
• Silicone  Sealant takes time to install and costs money in and of itself. The beading is actually cheaper to buy than the many tubes of sealant you will go through and is easier to install to create a good finish.
• The beading is unaffected by the elements, so if you are installing in cold weather or where the surface may become damp, there is no danger of the beading failing. Read about our tips for rendering in adverse weather here!

Why do Installers use Silicone Sealant?

Sealant is seen as a cheap and quick way to install the render. Installing beading takes some forethought and needs to be planned into the works. You should always use beading wherever possible, and keep the use of sealant to an absolute minimum.

In our opinion, installers using sealant around windows are probably cutting other corners as well, so be very wary!

 Longer Guarantees with Reveal Bead

Most installers offer a 25-year workmanship warranty on your EWI system. If silicone sealant is used, there is no way that they can give a 25 year warranty, as the sealant will fail over that time and require reapplication often.

Window Reveal Bead comes into two variations – Grey and White.

The Grey variation is to match RAL 7016 which is a popular colour with modern bi-fold doors.