A well-insulated home should be the norm

Marc Veenstra, owner of IBS Afbouw, says he has a beautiful job. "Every day is different and we get to let our hands do the work. We start with an old building and when we walk away, it is like new again ánd a lot more comfortable."

Five days a week, Veenstra collaborates on the construction site. "I just like the work too much to sit in the office," he says. Because the owner participates, he has visibility into quality and transfers his enthusiasm to his team. IBS Afbouw caters to contractors, architects and individuals with projects up to 1,000 square meters, especially facade renovations. "I look back with pride on the assignments we have completed in recent years and I go back with regularity. Also with private individuals."

In new buildings, construction companies often still choose brick outer walls. Veenstra: "That is strange, because insulation with stone strips requires far fewer bricks and achieves a higher insulation value. The insulation thickness can be as much as 30 centimeters. Not only does it reduce heating costs, it also increases thermal comfort. It stays cool in summer and comfortable in winter. A well-insulated home should be the norm, no one should live in a home that is too hot, too cold, drafty or even moldy."

Mineral stone strips

With exterior wall insulation, a building gets a new look in addition to a pleasant indoor environment. "Brick looks natural, or it can be glazed in any color imaginable. We have the bricks cut ourselves, so more strips can be extracted from one brick. Mineral brick strips also give great results and are an even more sustainable alternative, as they are produced with 30% less CO2 emissions. They are also thinner and lighter, which saves on installation, storage
and transportation."

Because of the energy transition, the amount of exterior wall insulation flink is increasing, which is why IBS Afbouw is fully focused on it. "I want to take the quality and reputation of our industry to the next level. The big players promise clients golden mountains that in practice are not delivered - due to time pressure and the generally too large shell of hiring. Professionals are scarce. Extra hands come from everywhere; not everyone is skilled or has the required quality standards in mind. Unfortunately, when things go wrong in one case, the entire industry suffers reputational damage. Even companies that prove their commitment to quality, by going for a KOMO certification, among other things."

Growing professionals

Veenstra wants the company to experience steady small growth. To have sufficient qualified personnel soon, he approached ESPEQ Bouwopleidingen from Heerhugowaard. He is helping to set up an "Exterior Facade Specialist" training program. "ESPEQ receives 2,500 grade eight students every year, some of whom apply, but 20% of these young people turn out not to be qualified as carpenters, painters, bricklayers or tilers. Our apprenticeship program allows them to work in exterior wall insulation. At school, they learn trade and product knowledge one day a week and the rest of the week they learn in practice." The training will start next year. "It is up to all exterior wall insulation companies to give these boys and girls, who often have a backpack, a place and an opportunity. It requires an investment of time and patience, together we are thereby securing the future and quality of the industry and helping young people move forward."