Insulating facades in Switzerland: costs, options, and what you need to know

A well-insulated facade is one of the most effective ways to reduce a building's energy consumption in the long term. Uninsulated or poorly insulated exterior walls often result in a loss of 25 to 35% of heating energy. These heat losses unnecessarily drive up heating costs and at the same time have a negative impact on the environment and living comfort. Professionally installed facade insulation not only improves the energy balance, but also ensures more comfortable interiors, protects the building fabric, and increases the long-term value of the property.

To help you realistically assess which insulation option makes sense for your building and what costs you can expect, here is a clear overview of prices, systems, subsidies, and legal issues.

Internal insulation is mainly used when external insulation is not possible—for example, in listed buildings or architecturally sensitive facades. The insulation material is installed on the inside of the room.

Why the wide price range? The price depends heavily on the material used. Natural insulation materials such as wood fiber or hemp are in the mid-range, while high-tech solutions such as aerogel are significantly more expensive but allow for very slim structures. In terms of energy efficiency, interior insulation is less efficient than exterior insulation and requires careful planning to avoid moisture problems.

The ETICS is the most commonly used insulation option for single-family homes. Insulation boards are glued or doweled directly onto the existing facade and then plastered.

Why is ETICS so widespread? It offers a good balance between cost and insulation performance and can be easily implemented in most buildings. There are limitations in terms of subsequent facade design, as the system is less flexible than rear-ventilated solutions.

Curtain walls are considered the highest quality and most durable form of facade insulation. Insulation and separate exterior cladding, made of wood, metal, or fiber cement, for example, are mounted on a substructure.

Why is this solution more expensive? The structure is more complex: substructure, rear ventilation level, and high-quality facade materials increase material and installation costs. In return, the curtain wall offers a very long service life, optimal moisture protection, and great design freedom.

In practice, the total cost of facade insulation for most single-family homes ranges between CHF 20,000 and CHF 40,000. Among other things, the following factors are decisive:

Good facade insulation often reduces heating energy requirements by 10–20% and , together with subsidies, often pays for itself within a few years.

There are several factors that explain why two houses of similar size can have completely different insulation costs. The wall construction is a key factor: buildings with cavity walls can be insulated relatively cheaply, while solid exterior walls usually require complex external insulation.

The condition of the facade also plays a role. Cracks, moisture, or damaged plaster must be repaired before insulation can be installed. In addition, the terrain, building shape, and accessibility influence the amount of work and scaffolding required.

Last but not least, the choice of insulation material, system design, and regional tradesmen's prices all have an impact on the final cost. Since every facade is unique, it is always worth comparing several quotes.

Innendämmung – nur bei speziellen Anforderungen Geeignet, wenn die Fassade nicht verändert werden darf. Energetisch und bauphysikalisch anspruchsvoll, daher nur gezielt einsetzen.

Core insulation – minimal effort, limitedeffect Ideal for double-shell masonry. Quick to install, but less effective than external insulation.

Composite thermal insulation system – efficient andeconomical The standard solution for many single-family homes. Good insulation effect at moderate cost.

Curtain wall – durable and flexible in design Higher investment, but maximum durability, moisture protection, and design freedom.

In most cantons, a building permit is required as soon as the structure, material, or appearance of the facade changes. 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 check with the relevant building authority at an early stage.