ETICS

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Ressources Other external wall applications

Espai Natura II, Haus, ETICS, walls, thermal bridges. REDArt. SATE

External Thermal Insulation Composite System – or ETICS – is a compact multilayer insulation solution designed to improve the energy efficiency of both new and existing buildings.

It is sometimes known as EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish System) in North America.

This external wall insulation system is made from many layers, including a base coat, reinforced mesh and finishing coat. Continuous external insulation improves thermal performance and reduces thermal bridges, storing heat in the walls to create a more comfortable living environment.

The types of materials used can vary between systems, making it flexible to fit different building structures and designs. This makes it a popular choice if you are looking to renovate existing blocks of flats.

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Why do we need ETICS?

A building’s façade is normally the largest surface area between its internal and external environment – where a great amount of heat loss can occur. Thermal insulation of the external walls from the outside is an efficient way of protecting against thermal energy loss.¹

ETICS works to insulate the vertical envelope of a building – whether an individual detached house or entire apartment block. This prevents temperature load, weather related damage and condensation problems.

Key benefits include:

Preventing heat loss by reducing thermal bridging
Improving energy efficiency of an entire building
Low cost solution to upgrading existing properties
Installation without inhabitants having to move out

Relevant resources

Calculator and savings

ROCKWOOL external thermal insulation systems can offer different products such as slabs (mono or dual densities) and lamella, in a range of thicknesses. In some markets, we also offer the whole ETICS system known as REDArt.

The thickness of insulation applied to an external insulation system will depend on local regulations and requirements. Additional factors such as the size of the wall being insulated, its base characteristic and finish will all affect the exact cost of installation.

Technical support is commonly available from your local ROCKWOOL organisation to work out the precise products and thicknesses required. Certain tools may also be available to help work out the current thermal performance of your walls.

Learn about energy efficiency

reference project Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Croatia, roof, facade, ETICS

Why choose ROCKWOOL solutions?

ROCKWOOL products and solutions offer an unrivalled combination of thermal, fire, acoustic and environmental properties to improve performance for buildings.

Made from stone wool, the fibres in our tightly butted slabs knit together, significantly reducing heat loss caused by gaps between slabs. This also prevents the transfer of sound and vibration through external walls – creating a comfortable living or working environment inside.

Robust, durable qualities provide a firm surface for applying render or fixings and make ROCKWOOL ETICS products resistant to adverse weather during installation. For dual density products, the softer underside can accommodate unevenness in the substrate too.

All our slabs are rated Euroclass A1 non-combustible, ensuring the insulation will not burn or produce toxic fumes. They are certified according to European harmonized standard EN13162 (for mineral wool products).

Benefits include²:

Fire resilience – insulation will not burn or produce toxic fumes
Thermal properties – improves thermal performance and energy efficiency
Robustness – durable and weather-resistant
Acoustic capabilities – noise and elastic vibration absorption
Water resistant – vapour permeable but water-repellent fibres

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With its smart fibre structure, ROCKWOOL stone wool adapts to irregularities, preventing sagging or gaps in the insulation layer. This helps keep warmth or cooler air in, thereby preserving thermal comfort.

Erica Bazzini

ROCKWOOL Group Product Manager

Case studies

The challenge

Bethesda Children’s Hospital in Budapest founded the Mother’s House – designed to provide beds and living facilities for mothers whose children face the prospect of long-term hospitalisation. Involving renovation and extension to its existing building, this required low operating costs and comfortable living conditions.

The solution

Frontrock was used to insulate the external walls. This two-layer stone wool board was applied to the external façade.

The results

Hundreds of mothers can now stay close to their children each year. Installation of Frontrock has improved thermal insulation, lowering energy costs and creating a comfortable internal climate.

High levels of fire resilience and sound insulation have also helped make Mother’s House a safe and quiet environment. In addition, Frontrock prevents mould and bacteria forming – maintaining the hospital’s high hygiene standards.

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We are proud that our products were chosen for the renovation of Mother’s House. It’s a really positive use of ROCKWOOL stone wool.

Kornél Bányai

Country Sales Manager, ROCKWOOL Hungary

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Installation

ROCKWOOL ETICS products are highly robust, with a great fitting ability that can adapt to irregularities in external walls during installation.

Installing can be done on a layer-by-layer basis. It generally requires a few components, including the insulation material, anchors, adhesive, reinforcement, base coat and finishing layer.³ Each can require a different installation method.

Key tips⁴:

Measure the façade – Knowing the size of the external wall being insulated is essential, so you can make sure you have the right amount of insulation material.
Prepare your tools – ROCKWOOL slabs and boards are easy to cut with a long-bladed knife or insulation saw. Have one on hand if you need to resize your insulation.
Choose the best product – Check those available in your area and decide which is best for the building.

Inspiration and guides for professionals

Get 16 Renovation Cases

This case study bundle includes:

29 pages of our best 2018-19 projects
Acoustic renovation in both public buildings and private
Bringing new life into old buildings with facade panels
Improving fire safety and wellbeing in high-rises and historical buildings
Reducing noise and flooding with innovative stone wool solutions

Sustainability and energy efficiency

Stone wool can be recycled again and again without degrading its quality⁵. To support sustainable choices, ROCKWOOL products provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in more than 20 markets.

ROCKWOOL products used in external wall insulation systems reduce heating fluctuations and improve the thermal comfort of any building – helping work towards LEED, passive house⁶, BREEAM standards⁷ and other sustainable building rating schemes.

There is a strong focus on reducing thermal bridging through a continuous stone wool insulation system. This minimises the use of heating and cooling systems throughout all seasons to bring big energy savings.

ETICS can also enhance acoustic insulation, cutting noise pollution to create an even more comfortable living environment.

8 facts about the circularity of stone wool

Downloads and resources

Visualize a home with our products

Renovation tool

Visualize a home with our products

By BroLaws Construction

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Learn how building quality can affect your health and productivity.

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Sustainable home renovation solutions

Adopting sustainable home renovation solutions during your refurbishing project is one of the most significant pathways to achieving the UN’s sustainable goals.

By Vincci Morales

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Quality of life

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Discover crucial tips for buying a newly built house.

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Energy Efficiency

5 Ways to save energy at home

Are you frustrated over the rising cost of your energy bill? Or maybe you just want to do your part for the environment? Read our 5 ways to save energy at home.

Financial support

Tax incentives and schemes encouraging building renovations to improve energy efficiency may be available where you are. Contact your local offices for more information.

Find your local ROCKWOOL office