Wall Insulation - ETICS
What are ETICS?
The letters ETICS stand for External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems, and refer to specialist external building systems incorporating renders. ETICS are applied to the outside of walls (masonry, concrete) to improve the thermal insulation, and to achieve a number of other beneficial objectives. ETICS give protection against weathering and improve the appearance of the buildings.
The technical definition of ETICS is as follows:
An ETICS is a design system consisting of a combination of factory-made products consisting of one base coat, one type of thermal insulationproduct and specified adhesives, reinforcements, finishing coats and mechanical fixing devices (if applicable) delivered by a system holder as a kit, which is applied on site.
What are the benefits of ETICS?
- increase insulation of buildings against energy losses
- multiple options to give the building a face and character
- provide an active contribution to the conservation of nature and natural resources
History of ETICS
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems were developed in Germany during the 1950’s to be used in façades promoting finishing and thermal insulation. ETICS was introduced in the late 1960’s in the USA (known as EIFS, External Insulation and Finishing System) becoming very popular in Construction as a reaction to the energy crisis of the 1970’s and the need in comfort in buildings.
A sustainable construction
The environmental impact of the mortars themselves is only one aspect. But what about their beneficial effect to the environment? One example: the CO2 emission caused by the production of 130 m² external thermal insulation composite system (= façade aerea of one house) is comparable to the CO2 output of a car for a driven distance of 9.000 km. But: during the expected service life of the façade an amount of CO2 is saved which is comparable to the driven distance of 100.000 km! The CO2 saving during the service life is more than 10 times higher than the CO2 output caused by the production of the ETICS!
The industry
The European ETICS Industry is the leading industry for External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems in the world. The sale in 2011 was approximately 163 million square meters with around € 3.3 billion (material price). Several types of insulation are used: expanded polystyrene EPS (the most used), mineral wool, extruded polystyrene XPS and others (e.g., cork boards). ETICS are an excellent solution for New Construction and Renovation.
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