In Bordeaux, a city rich in architectural heritage and facing the growing demands of the energy transition, external thermal insulation (ETI) is emerging as an essential solution in 2025. Reducing energy loss while enhancing the aesthetic appearance of facades requires mastering precise technical standards and specific regulatory constraints. These requirements apply to both new buildings and renovation projects, where the protection of historic buildings is a real challenge. Between adapting to the oceanic climate, complying with the Building Code, and integrating into the urban landscape, Bordeaux stakeholders must combine performance, safety, and aesthetics. With its experience in the Gironde region, Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33 supports its clients every step of the way, offering personalized services that comply with the latest standards. From the selection of certified insulation to administrative procedures and technical implementation, each project is meticulously managed to ensure durability and regulatory compliance. The challenge is twofold: optimizing thermal and acoustic comfort while respecting the environment and the local living environment, for the complete satisfaction of homeowners. Discover in this article the essential keys to confidently approaching an external thermal insulation project in Bordeaux in 2025.
Essential thermal standards and national regulations for external thermal insulation in Bordeaux
The success of an external thermal insulation project depends first and foremost on understanding and complying with the national standards that govern the work. These regulations ensure that the required energy performance is achieved, while ensuring the safety of occupants and the durability of the materials used.
Since the implementation of the RE2020 environmental regulations, all new buildings must meet strict energy consumption and carbon footprint thresholds. External thermal insulation plays a central role in this evolution, providing a continuous insulating envelope that effectively limits heat loss.
For existing buildings located in Bordeaux, renovations must incorporate the requirements of the amended RT (Existing Thermal Regulation), which imposes a minimum level of thermal resistance on installed insulation. This threshold guarantees quality insulation, reducing energy bills and improving living comfort.
At the heart of compliance with standards, certain technical indicators are essential:
- 📌 Thermal resistance (R): The higher this value, the better the material’s ability to retain heat. It depends on the thickness of the insulation and its conductivity. 📌
- Thermal conductivity (λ): This coefficient measures the material’s ability to transmit heat. It must be as low as possible to ensure excellent insulation. 📌 Acoustic Performance : External thermal insulation also incorporates features to improve acoustic comfort by limiting outside noise.
- These performances are regularly verified by recognized certifications, such as: ✔️ CE marking, attesting to the European conformity of insulation. ✔️ ACERMI certification, a guarantee of enhanced reliability for the insulation used.
Among the materials most used by Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33 are renowned insulation companies:
- 🟠
- Saint-Gobain
, a leader in high-performance and innovative materials.
- 🟠 Rockwool, a specialist in fire-resistant mineral wools.
- 🟠 Knauf, recognized for its high-quality insulation panels.
- 🟠 Isover, offering a wide range of insulation products adapted to oceanic climates.
- Compliance with these thermal standards is inseparable from administrative procedures that should not be overlooked. Depending on the exact nature of the project and its location, particularly in protected areas of Bordeaux, prior authorization or a building permit is required. Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33 is available to advise and assist you with these formalities, ensuring full regulatory compliance. Find more detailed information on our dedicated page on building permits for external thermal insulation in Bordeaux. ⚙️ Technical Criteria 📊 2025 Requirements🛠️ Recommended Suppliers
Thermal Resistance (R) ≥ 4.5 m².K/W for renovationSaint-Gobain, Isover
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | ≤ 0.035 W/m.K | Rockwool, Knauf |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Certification | CE + ACERMI Marking | Sika, Cemex |
| Climate Compatibility | Resistance to Humidity and Condensation | Thermocoat, Domotelec |
| Compliance with this regulation is a guarantee of efficiency, helping to reduce your energy consumption while enhancing the value of your real estate assets. | Discover the importance of standards in various fields, their role in standardizing procedures, improving quality, and protecting consumers. Learn how they influence our daily lives and shape the future of industries. Local regulations and specific requirements for external thermal insulation in urban Bordeaux | Bordeaux is distinguished by its oceanic climate and its listed historic center, elements that impose a strict regulatory framework for external thermal insulation work. Beyond national standards, the city sets specific rules to preserve its architecture while promoting the energy transition. |
| In particular, the municipality requires: | 🟢 The use of materials compatible with Bordeaux’s humid environment and resistant to mold. | 🟢 Aesthetic respect is imperative in old and protected neighborhoods, particularly in collaboration with the Architects of Buildings of France (ABF). |
🟢 Limiting insulation thicknesses to avoid any encroachment on public or neighboring spaces.

These rules make ITE projects in areas such as Chartrons, La Bastide or the city center particularly demanding. For example, for the renovation of a building near historic monuments, a precise choice of materials with a discreet finish is essential.
Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33 perfectly masters these constraints, offering products and finishes adapted to guarantee both energy performance and compliance with the regulatory framework. The implementation also includes a rigorous preliminary diagnosis to propose
the best adapted solutions
- in every situation.
- Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- ✔️ Respecting the opinions of the Architects of Buildings of France is obligatory in protected areas.
- ✔️ Choose certified insulation and finishes compatible with heritage protection.
✔️ Follow local rules on the frequency and method of maintenance of insulated facades to preserve their appearance over time (
details on exterior paint maintenance ). These adaptations guarantee harmonious integration of ITE projects into the Bordeaux landscape without compromising their performance.
🏛️ Area
- 🔍 Specific rules
- 🛠️ Recommended solutions
- Protected neighborhoods (Chartrons, city center)Mandatory ABF consultationDiscreet and adaptive materials
Fibrobec, Soltherm for thin insulation
| Recent residential areas | Permit to obtain | Respect insulation thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Gobain, Knauf | Wetlands Moisture resistant materials required |
Rockwool, Sika |
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCRzUjIEMJ4 | Essential steps and good professional practices to succeed in the ITE in Bordeaux The implementation of external thermal insulation in Bordeaux requires rigorous organization and the expertise of qualified professionals. Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33 provides complete support, guaranteeing careful work that meets the most demanding standards. |
Here are the main essential steps to follow: |
| 🛠️ | Initial diagnosis | : Precise analysis of the condition of the facades, existing materials and specific constraints (humidity, cracks, history of the building). |
Choice of materials
: Selection of certified insulation (Saint-Gobain, Rockwool, Isover) adapted to local constraints, with particular attention paid to aesthetic appearance and durability.
🛠️
- Obtaining authorizations : Submission of files to the competent authorities, particularly in protected areas where the opinion of the ABF is crucial ( ITE Bordeaux permit details
- ). 🛠️ Preparation of the support
- : High pressure cleaning, anti-foam treatment, repair of cracks if necessary ( choose the right professional for cracks in Bordeaux ).🛠️Installation of insulation and finishing
- : Careful installation respecting the rules of the art, with application of quality coatings or decorative panels (Fibrobec, Thermocoat). 🛠️ Preventative maintenance: Implementation of a regular monitoring plan to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the insulated facade (know how to detect signs of deterioration
- ). Complying with these steps guarantees an optimal, lasting result that complies with current requirements. 📌 Key steps
- 🔧 Recommended actions 📆 Average deadlines DiagnosisFacade inspection, humidity, cracks1 to 3 days
Authorisation
| Declaration or building permit | 4 to 8 weeks | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and repair | 2 to 5 days | Insulation installation and finishing |
| Installation of materials, coating | 1 to 3 weeks | Maintenance |
| Regular monitoring, inspection | Continuous | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_mzDYvN5dY |
| High-performance and durable materials to choose for external thermal insulation in Gironde | The quality of insulation materials is crucial to the technical, environmental, and aesthetic success of an external thermal insulation project. In Bordeaux and throughout the Gironde region, Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33 relies on solid references, adapted to the local climate and current requirements. | Here are the main insulation materials and systems we prefer: |
| 🏅 | Mineral wool | (Rockwool): excellent thermal and sound resistance, durable and non-flammable. |
Extruded polystyrene panels
(Knauf, Saint-Gobain): lightweight, high-performance, and easy to install, ideal for efficient and rapid insulation. 🏅
Decorative coatings and panels
- (Fibrobec, Thermocoat): to ensure a neat finish and long-lasting protection against moisture. 🏅 Waterproofing membranes
- (Sika, Cemex): essential for enhancing water resistance and maintaining long-term performance. 🏅 Innovative solutions
- (Domotelec, Soltherm): ecological insulation and systems with a low carbon impact, prioritizing sustainability. The attention paid to each component ensures increased longevity and efficiency in compliance with national and local requirements. Choosing certified products, bearing the CE and ACERMI markings, is essential to meet all thermal, acoustic, and safety criteria. 🔥 Material Type 🔍 Key Benefits
- 🏆 Brand Examples Mineral Wool Thermal + Acoustic, Non-Flammable, Moisture Resistant
- Rockwool Polystyrene Panels Very Lightweight, Easy to Install, High Thermal Performance
Knauf, Saint-Gobain Decorative Coatings & Panels Aesthetics, Moisture Protection, Durability
| Fibrobec, Thermocoat | Waterproofing Membranes | Water protection, improves insulation longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Sika, Cemex | Ecological insulation | Low carbon impact, durable, recyclable |
| Domotelec, Soltherm | Choosing Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33 means benefiting from recognized expertise in the selection and implementation of these high-performance materials, ensuring a durable and aesthetic result. | Discover the essential standards governing various sectors and fields. Learn how these standards guarantee quality, safety, and compliance in your projects. Explore the challenges, applications, and importance of standards in a constantly changing world. |
| Practical advice for the maintenance and durability of your external thermal insulation in Bordeaux | An external thermal insulation project doesn’t end with the installation of the insulation. Regular maintenance is essential to maintain its long-term effectiveness and prevent premature deterioration of the facades. Bordeaux Renovation – Ravalement33 recommends meticulous monitoring, taking into account: | 🧽 The frequency of maintenance of paints and coatings, to maintain their waterproofness and beauty (more practical information). |
| 🧽 Regular checks to detect the first signs of deterioration or cracks that could compromise the insulation. | 🧽 Appropriate cleaning, carried out by professionals familiar with the specific risks of facade cleaning (standards and precautions for facade cleaning). | 🧽 Fast and effective crack repairs to maintain insulation continuity and prevent thermal bridges (choose a professional repairer in Bordeaux). |
| Regular maintenance maximizes the lifespan of your external thermal insulation (ETI) and preserves the value of your property. The proximity and responsiveness of Bordeaux Renovation – Ravalement33 allow for rapid intervention when needed, guaranteeing the complete satisfaction of our customers. 🛡️ Maintenance | 🔄 Recommended frequency | 🛠️ Main Actions |
Visual Inspection

Detect cracks, peeling
Facade Cleaning
1 to 2 times/year
- High-pressure cleaning, anti-moss treatmentCrack RepairIf necessary
- Rapid intervention with certified materials Re-application of paint/plaster Approximately 10 years
- Maintain waterproofing and aestheticsFAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about ITE standards in Bordeaux in 2025Which insulation materials are most suitable for Bordeaux?
- Moisture-resistant insulation materials like Rockwool and Saint-Gobain polystyrene panels are particularly recommended for the local oceanic climate.Do I need to obtain a permit for an ITE project?Yes, especially if your building is located in a protected area or if the insulated surface significantly alters the exterior aesthetics. It is often necessary to consult the ABF (French Building Authorities).
How to choose a professional for ITE installation? Hire an RGE-certified company like Ravalement Bordeaux – Ravalement33. Check their references and certifications for work that meets standards.
| What financial assistance is available in the region? | The energy transition tax credit and ANAH subsidies are available under certain conditions, particularly if you hire RGE-certified professionals. | How often should exterior paint be maintained on an external thermal insulation system? |
|---|---|---|
| Regular maintenance approximately every 10 years is recommended to maintain the seal and prevent cracks. Biannual cleaning also prevents damage. | ||