Burhaniye is a district with building stock both on the coast and inland. This diversity also affects the exterior facade insulation decision: a building on the coastline and a building on the slopes of Şahinler or Pelitköy cannot be insulated with the same system. Below is the step-by-step guide we have compiled from the insulation projects we have carried out in Burhaniye as Yamanlar Renovation. The goal is this: choose materials consciously, do not leave application details out, and do not make generic thickness promises.
Why is insulation different in Burhaniye?
Burhaniye's coastal section is exposed to salty wind, the inland section to harsh winter mornings. Because air circulation is high on the coast, board selection and mechanical fastening details gain importance; inland, the freeze-thaw cycle puts material durability in the foreground. On top of this, in reinforced-concrete structures — most of them over 30 years old — starting insulation without seeing the rust condition of the rebar under the plaster is risky.
Choosing the right materials
- EPS (expanded polystyrene): The most common choice, with a good price / performance ratio. For buildings near the coast, carbon EPS or graphite-added types are preferred.
- XPS (extruded polystyrene): Denser and highly moisture-resistant; we use it especially at basement / exterior grade details and at the base of walls.
- Stone wool: High fire safety and contributes to sound insulation; preferred in tall buildings near the coast, and since it is heavier, a correct dowel calculation is required.
- Thickness: We avoid generic claims like “5 cm is enough” or “8 cm guaranteed”. The correct thickness must be calculated according to the building's existing wall structure, orientation and TS 825. The typical range for Burhaniye is 4-8 cm; but we do this calculation after the survey.
How does the process work?
1. Survey and preparation
Whether the existing plaster has deteriorated, the crack map, balcony undersides and base-of-wall details are recorded. Communication with the site management is established and shared-area / service log issues are clarified. If neighbouring blocks have renovation plans, the timing is aligned.
2. Scaffolding installation
We use certified modular scaffolding; a load-distributing base panel and a safety bar at the top level are mandatory. On coastal buildings, the anchoring distance is kept short against wind loads.
3. Removal of old plaster and paint
Blistered plaster surfaces are scraped away; loose fillings are cleaned. A moisture test is done on the old paint. Points where rust is visible on the rebar under the plaster are fully opened, treated with rust converter and repaired with repair mortar.
4. Bonding
Approved bonding mortar is applied in strips along the edge and in dabs in the middle of the board (at least 40% of the surface). Boards are laid staggered and from bottom to top, with joints meeting completely.
5. Mechanical fastening (doweling)
Dowels are installed 24-48 hours after the board bonding has dried. On the Burhaniye coast, a calculation of 6 dowels per m² for EPS is a standard starting point; it increases depending on building height and wind load.
6. Reinforcement mesh and plaster
Alkali-resistant plaster mesh is stretched over the entire surface, and reinforced corner profiles are used at corners. The plaster is applied in two coats; the first embeds the mesh, the second levels the surface.
7. Primer and finish coat
Mineral-based primer; then a silicone emulsion or silicate decorative finish coat. Colour choice: light shades for the Burhaniye coast; dark colours heat up excessively in the sun and create thermal stress.
Common mistakes
- Insulating directly over painted surfaces — if the old paint is blistering, the whole system is at risk within 5 years.
- Using EPS instead of XPS for the base of the wall (bottom 30 cm) — EPS absorbs water from ground splash.
- Not using corner profiles around windows — thin cracks quickly form at the corners.
- Insufficient mechanical dowels — in coastal wind, the boards loosen and you hear a rattling sound from inside.
- Neglecting rain gutters and external grade drainage before insulating.
What to look for during the site survey
- The condition of the existing exterior paint (blistering, cracks, mold marks).
- Balcony undersides, base-of-wall and roof eaves details.
- Sealing around windows and external AC units.
- The working condition of the rain gutters.
- Heat-bridge risk points on walls shared with neighbouring flats.
Factors affecting duration and cost
Insulation of an average 4-storey apartment building in Burhaniye takes 4-6 weeks. Cost items: scaffolding (the rental period matters), board type and thickness, plaster system, number of dowels, decorative finish coat and colour. Instead of asking for a per-m² price, requesting an itemised quote is healthier.
How Yamanlar Renovation works in Burhaniye
We work together with the building management in Burhaniye. First we do a free site survey, then we calculate the thickness and board type according to the building's orientation and external conditions. If a combined scenario of carbon EPS – stone wool – XPS is needed, we share in a written report which one we will use on which facade. Contact us for a free site survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real return of insulation on the bill?
For the Burhaniye climate, a well-planned 5-6 cm EPS system, together with correct orientation and joinery, can save 25-40% per year on heating costs. Compared to existing uninsulated concrete, the difference is even greater.
The site management decided on insulation — which facade should be done first?
Generally the north and west (wind-exposed) facades take priority. If the budget is to be split over two seasons, a thermal camera during the survey can identify the facades with the most loss.
Is insulation fire resistant?
Stone wool is the safest option. EPS should be a fire-retardant type (B-s2,d0) and fire barriers (between floors) should be added to the facade. This detail is usually overlooked.
How many years does insulation last?
25-30 years with correct application. Wear usually occurs in the finish coat; repainting every 10-12 years is sufficient.
Related guides: exterior facade insulation guide, Ayvalık exterior paint, our Burhaniye renovation services.
