External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS)

The External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems that will henceforth be referred to as ETICS are suitable for new buildings construction as well as for older buildings that are renovated.

The ETICS undertake the role of thermal insulation and protection of the building from weather conditions’ stresses. It is noted that they cannot contribute to the walling stability they adhere to as they are also not responsible for making the wall air-proof.

The ETICS are used throughout Europe. The European Organization for Technical Approvals (EOTA) drafted the European Technical Approval Guide (ETAG 004) for the ETICS applied in walling constructions and concrete.

The ETAG 004 describes ETICS as a series of construction elements consisting of specific prefabricated components:

 

  • Adhesive material
  • Insulation material
  • Mechanical fixation sockets(if required)
  • Main layer of coating
  • Fiberglass reinforcement mesh
  • Final coating
  • Additional elements – components

 

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS)

 

The ETICS proper installation requires the application of some additional components. These may be special base frames – start guides, reinforced corner beads, special water drainage pipes, special window frames, special joints’ expansion frames etc.

It is noted that the manufacturer’s instruction must be followed in all cases and for all individual ETICS components.

The ETICS can be paired with white expanded polystyrene boards (Styropan EPS), graphite expanded polystyrene boards (Styropan Graphite EPS as well as extruded polystyrene boards with proper processing of their final surface (Styropan XPS ETICS).

It should be pinpointed that the thermal insulation façade boards must not come into contact with direct sunlight, especially when they are still packed. If this cannot be avoided, the top board may not be used and continue working with the boards below.

Moreover, the thermal insulation boards must not be adhered to very hot external walls. It is a common practice to adhere the boards in the opposite direction of the sun’s movement. Properly installed protective nets on the racks may offer the shading required and prevent overheating during the wall construction.

An ETICS construction must be able to withstand combined stresses from the same weight, wind loads, extreme temperature difference between internal and external faces and normal impacts.

For more information about ETICS in terms of construction preparation before the work commences, application conditions, substrate suitability and proper external thermal insulation application, feel free to contact the Company’s technical department.