Building Insulation Cases
Reference Case

Yangquan Residential Retrofit Project

Application of Aerogel Insulation Coating for Existing Building Energy Upgrades

Location: Yangquan, Shanxi, China Application: Existing Building Retrofit System Type: Aerogel Insulation Coating
aerogel insulation coating application on residential building facade Yangquan China
1.69M m² Reference Area
2 mm System Thickness
300+ Buildings
77 Communities
Overview

Large-Scale Retrofit with Thin-Layer Thermal Protection

This reference case is based on a large-scale residential retrofit project in Yangquan, Shanxi, China, demonstrating the practical use of aerogel insulation coating systems as a thin-layer alternative to conventional insulation solutions in building energy upgrades.

The project covers multiple residential communities and hundreds of buildings, with a total retrofit area exceeding one million square meters. Through building envelope upgrades, it helps improve thermal performance, indoor comfort, and overall façade condition.

In this project, a thin-layer aerogel coating system was applied to exterior walls, illustrating the feasibility of a thin-layer, high-efficiency approach that significantly reduces system thickness compared to traditional 50–100 mm insulation systems.

For buyers evaluating thin insulation systems for retrofit, especially where space, façade modification, or occupancy constraints apply, this case complements the technical information available in our Technical Data Sheets and additional documentation in the Resources section.

This case is presented as a reference for similar applications. Airgeltech provides aerogel material solutions and application-focused technical support for projects of this type.
Building Retrofit Thin-Layer Insulation Energy Efficiency Upgrade Exterior Wall Application
Background

Why Existing Buildings Need a Different Solution

  • Poor thermal insulation performance of existing exterior walls
  • High heating and cooling energy demand with insufficient indoor comfort
  • Water leakage, condensation, and façade contamination in aging buildings
  • Difficulty in applying conventional thick insulation boards on existing structures

Retrofit projects usually require minimal disruption to existing structures, compatibility with original substrates, and fast execution under real occupancy conditions, making conventional thick-board systems difficult to apply in many cases.

Project Scale

Million-Square-Meter Reference

Coverage
Multiple urban and mining districts
Residential communities
77
Buildings
300 residential buildings and 4 public buildings
Total area
Approx. 1.69 million m²
Timeline
March 2021 to May 2021

Projects at this scale require stable material supply, consistent product quality, and coordinated on-site execution.

Technical Implementation

2 mm Reference System with Multi-Layer Construction

01
Substrate preparation and primer application
02
First aerogel insulation intermediate layer, approximately 1 mm
03
Controlled curing interval, approximately 6 hours
04
Second aerogel insulation intermediate layer, approximately 1 mm
05
Reflective insulation topcoat

Why This System Is Important

This process forms a continuous insulation layer with a total reference thickness of approximately 2 mm.

Compared with traditional external insulation systems in the 50 to 100 mm range, the total system thickness can be reduced from 50–100 mm to approximately 2 mm, minimizing façade build-up, structural load, and installation complexity.

For product-specific values, buyers can review the corresponding Technical Data Sheets or contact Airgeltech for application discussion, making it particularly suitable for existing buildings where additional thickness, façade modification, or structural load increases are restricted.

Construction Process

Real-World Installation Workflow

The coating is applied layer by layer using spraying or roller methods, forming a continuous insulation system on the wall surface. Combined with rope access equipment and lifting platforms, the process is well suited to high-rise façade retrofit conditions, especially where scaffold installation is limited or façade access is constrained.

In similar practice scenarios, a single residential building can often be completed within approximately 7 to 10 days, allowing retrofit work to proceed without requiring occupants to relocate, which is a key requirement in urban renovation projects.

Airgeltech Solution

Designed for Existing Building Retrofits

Ultra-thin systemTypical application thickness can be kept within a thin-layer range, ideal for retrofit scenarios with strict space limitations.
Low substrate disruptionCan be applied on prepared wall surfaces without installing thick insulation boards, reducing impact on existing façades.
Construction efficiencySuitable for large-area façade application under retrofit conditions, with simplified installation compared to board-based systems.
Multi-functional valueSupports thermal insulation while contributing to anti-condensation and surface protection in aging buildings.

Learn more about the corresponding product on the Aerogel Coating page and review broader documentation in Resources.

Supply Capability

Bulk Delivery for Large-Scale Use

bulk drum packaging aerogel insulation coating material supply
Bulk drum packaging supports continuous supply and site delivery for large-area construction projects.

Airgeltech provides aerogel material supply for building and industrial insulation applications, with production planning aligned to project volume requirements.

Key Technical Parameters

Engineering-Oriented Performance Profile

Thermal conductivity≤ 0.035 W/(m·K)
Subject to formulation and testing conditions, and should be verified against project-specific requirements
Coating thickness2 to 5 mm
Fire ratingClass A2
Adhesion strength≥ 0.6 MPa
VOC≤ 50 g/L
Reference noteFinal values should be confirmed against the applicable Product TDS
Performance Results

Typical Benefits in Similar Projects

≥30%Energy efficiency improvement
8–10°CSummer temperature reduction
3–5°CWinter temperature increase
CleanerImproved façade appearance
EnhancedWaterproofing contribution

These figures are presented as typical reference outcomes from similar projects, indicating potential energy efficiency improvements and indoor comfort enhancement under suitable conditions. Actual performance depends on building condition, substrate preparation, local climate, and system design.

Project Result

Façade Renewal After Retrofit

residential building facade after aerogel insulation coating retrofit Yangquan China
Typical façade condition following retrofit and building envelope system upgrade.
Case Value

Why This Reference Matters

  • Demonstrates the feasibility of thin-layer aerogel insulation systems in large-scale, real-world retrofit applications
  • Suitable for existing buildings where traditional thick insulation systems are difficult or impractical due to space, structural, or façade constraints
  • Supports relatively fast execution on occupied buildings
  • Aligned with energy-saving and carbon-reduction retrofit goals
  • Combines insulation value with façade improvement and moisture-related performance benefits
Application Note

Airgeltech's Role in Similar Projects

  • Aerogel insulation material supply
  • Application-oriented technical selection support based on project-specific conditions and system requirements
  • Material system recommendations for relevant use conditions

Installation and on-site construction are carried out by contractors or project execution teams.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Aerogel insulation coating is suitable for existing residential and commercial buildings where conventional thick insulation systems are difficult to install, including retrofit projects, urban renewal programs, and facade energy upgrades.

Aerogel insulation coating can be applied at a total thickness of approximately 2 to 5 mm, depending on system design and performance requirements. This is significantly thinner than traditional insulation systems.

In most retrofit applications, aerogel coating can be applied directly onto prepared existing wall surfaces without demolishing the original finish, reducing construction disruption and waste.

In similar projects, a single residential building can typically be completed within approximately 7 to 10 days, depending on building size, weather conditions, and site accessibility.

Yes, aerogel coating can be used as part of a hybrid insulation system. It is often used as a standalone thin-layer solution for retrofit projects or combined with other materials depending on thermal performance targets and project conditions.

Discuss Your Next Building Retrofit Project

Airgeltech provides aerogel material solutions for building and industrial insulation applications. If your project involves façade retrofit, exterior wall insulation upgrades, or anti-condensation requirements, we can support you with technical documents, product matching suggestions, and sample-based evaluation.

Disclaimer: This page is based on publicly available reference information related to a project in Yangquan, Shanxi, China, and is presented for illustrative and discussion purposes only. Airgeltech provides material solutions and technical support for similar applications.

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