Around the world, solutions for external wall insulation have different names - exterior thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS), thermal insulation renders (TIR) or even by means of direct rendered rainscreen cladding.
One aspect though is universal - a key factor to achieve energy efficiency in construction projects is the thermal insulation.
At Sika, we have solutions for all varieties of external wall insulation systems.
¹Source: European Commission
Why Insulate Your Exterior Wall
The improvement of a building facade's thermal insulation can lead to energy savings of 35% or more. By decreasing energy consumption needed for heating and cooling, the carbon footprint is consequently lowered as well.
Current increases in energy prices put the spotlight once again on the vulnerability to high energy import costs and rates. In 2015, the European Union (EU) imported 53% of its energy needs. The situation has degraded since the EU imported nearly 61% of its energy needs in 2019. In a commitment to reduce CO2 production, we at Sika have aligned to the EU by setting ambitious targets to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
“In 2020 following the Paris Agreement, the European Commission announced its ambitions to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent. Policies aim to limit global warming and ensure Europe’s contribution to fight climate change. This comes along with a package of policy instruments including:
- The European Green Deal
- The Renovation Wave Strategy
- The EU Climate Law
- The Circular Economy Strategy
- and many others” *
Insulated facade systems such as ETICS / EIFS can significantly contribute to achieving Europe’s and other regions' sustainable ambitions.
*source: European Association for External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (EA-ETICS)
Advantages for New and Old Buildings Alike
An exterior-applied thermal insulation system like ETICS / EIFS with Sikatherm® is extremely suitable for both new construction and renovation of buildings. In case of renovation, there is no need to undertake work in the interior nor oblige the occupants to move temporarily while installing it.
Key Advantages of Exterior Wall Insulation
- Suitable for new construction and renovation projects
- Fast and easy to apply
- More durable protection of the building from weathering and atmospheric pollutants
- Reduce utility bills on average by 35%
- Reduce a building’s carbon footprint and improve its energy efficiency rating
- Keep a building warmer in winter and cooler in summer
- Prevent internal condensation leading to mold by eliminating thermal bridges
- Reduce noise from outside
- Can help to increase property value
Solutions for Two Main Types of Thermal Insulated Facades
ETICS or EIFS
Exterior thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) or exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) is a system applied to the outside of the wall to insulate, protect and decorate the facade.
TIR
Thermal insulation render (TIR) is a breathable, strong, incombustible mineral insulation mortar containing lightweight and insulating fillers used to substitute traditional insulation like EPS or mineral wool. It is spray-applied to the exterior wall or used for insulating interior walls. It is used especially for preserved buildings where the exterior cannot be changed or which have so much detailing that an ETICS/ EIFS system is too complicated.
Components of Sika ETICS/ EIFS Solutions
Sika's exterior wall insulation solutions are called Sikatherm®. They include full exterior thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS/EIFS) built up of high-quality products, carefully tested and compatible with each other.
ETICS / EIFS systems typically comprise:
- Adhesive
- Thermal insulation board
- Mechanical fixing (e.g. plate anchors)
- Base coat
- Reinforcement (e.g. glass fiber mesh)
- Finishing layer: finishing coat with a key coat (optional) and/or decorative coat (optional)
- Accessories (e.g. fabricated corner beads, connection and edge profiles, expansion joint profiles, base profiles, etc.) - not shown in image
- Air and weather barrier, as well as drainage plain (especially for wood and lightweight steel framing) - not shown in image
Components of Sika TIR Solutions
Sika's TIR systems are versatile and open up possibilities for insulating facades or interior walls of heritage and historic preservation buildings. Sika has traditional cement-based TIR solutions, as well as cement-free, bio-sourced versions.
TIR systems typically comprise:
- Spray-applied thermal insulation render
- Base coat
- Reinforcement (e.g. glass fiber mesh)
- Finishing layer: finishing coat with a key coat (optional) and/or decorative coat (optional)
- Accessories (e.g. fabricated corner beads, connection and edge profiles, expansion joint profiles, base profiles, etc.) - not shown in image
Thermal Insulation
Sikatherm® ETICS or EIFS insulation systems can be composed of a wide range of possible insulation materials. Such materials range from classic EPS versions to incombustible, fire-safe mineral wool, as well as a range of sustainable, bio-sourced materials like wood fibers. Depending on your requirements, we have a solution available.
Finishes, Colors and Textures
A facade system is all about the looks. Besides technical parameters essential for an insulation system like insulation value, breathability and fire safety, the choice is often made based on aesthetics.
Sika has a wide range of finishes available for our ETICS / EIFS and TIR systems. From organic-based, fine finishes to thick mineral layers, we have it all.
Mineral finishes are becoming more and more popular again, and for good reason. A variety of colors and possible ways to finish come along with it.
