2.1.1 Adding or increasing external insulation in walls
Description
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) in retrofitting projects consist in adding a surface layer of thermal insulation (EPS, XPS, glass wool, cork…) externally attached (stuck, plastic pins and profiles) to the façades and visible party walls, to then protect the insulation using a new outside finish, usually based on mortar.
Benefits
The added load to the structure and foundation is minimal
The internal space is respected, not affecting the useful surfaces
The work can be performed from the outside, without bothering the occupants of the building
Limitations
It should not be used in buildings that are going to receive repeated and severe impacts
It should be studied the exposure to strong winds and not recommended in hurricane zones. For this reason, there should not be used either in high-rise buildings where the force of the wind is usually subject to special engineering solutions to ensure stability to long term
It is not recommended when the façade of the building to retrofit is not noticeably flat and vertical
Economic assessment
Initial investment: between 53 and 98 €/m2 depending on whether the installation is in situ or through prefabricated panels. This difference in initial price can be justified by long-term maintenance savings in repairs. Maintenance and replacement cost must be realistic for the building owner. Light systems based on EPS insulation are less expensive than heavy systems, insulated with XPS.
References and best practices
Thermal performance of a building envelope incorporating ETICS with vacuum insulation panels and EPS: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378778814005477
Inspection and diagnosis system of ETICS on walls: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061813005424
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CHARACTERIZATION
Environment or playable world:
Residential
Academic
Offices
All
Carried out by:
Public building users
Owners
Operators
All
Reduce consumption of:
Heating
Cooling
DHW
Lighting
Electric devices
Type of driver:
Physical environmental
Contextual
Psychological
Physiological
Social
Time framework:
- Short term
- Long term
Type of measure:
- Envelope
- HVAC
- DHW
- Lighting
- Electrical devices
- Other
