Proper installation
of building insulation

Correct installation of building insulation ensures optimum transmission of forces acting on the facade surface. The main task of the polystyrene foam/wool plugs in ETICS is to transfer forces generated by wind suction. In practice, this means that the correct selection and installation of plugs will protect the facade against breakage caused by strong wind.

Modern thermal insulation systems

Modern ETICS make it possible to carry out insulation work quickly and efficiently, which will significantly reduce heat loss through the building envelope and reduce heating costs. They are used both on new buildings and old structures undergoing renovation. Fasteners in ETICS also prevent deformation of thermal insulation panels caused by significant temperature fluctuations. This is particularly important when using graphite polystyrene foam, which is a material sensitive to direct sunlight. The use of mechanical plugs also assists the adhesive layer in transferring shear forces by increasing the frictional force between the thermal insulation material and the substrate. When selecting a plug for polystyrene foam or wool, attention should also be paid to the appropriate stiffness of the plate, which guarantees the correct pressure on the thermal insulation material.

Proper selection of fasteners

The selection of the appropriate plug for polystyrene foam or wool is possible after determining the parameters of the building. It is not irrelevant whether the building is new or being modernised. New buildings have a known thickness of the adhesive layer (approximately 1 cm); in the case of old buildings it is necessary to check both the thickness of the adhesive layer, the existing plaster and the general condition of the facade. It is advisable to carry out tests of the polystyrene foam plugs and adhesive adhesion to help determine the condition of the substrate.

In the case of ETICS fasteners, we have the possibility of fastening to many substrates. New thermal insulation plugs are made to ensure transfer of forces in substrates such as concrete (A), solid ceramic and silicate brick (B), ceramic hollow block (C), elements on lightweight aggregate (D) or aerated concrete (E). The selection of plug is also influenced by the type of thermal insulation used. Any type of fastener can be used with materials such as EPS or XPS polystyrene foam. In the case of mineral wool insulation, either hammer-in or screw-in fasteners with a metal nail are used. It should also be checked whether an additional expansion plate is required, which is usually required when using lamella wool.

Determining the thickness of the thermal insulation material allows the fastener length to be selected accordingly. Please note that it is necessary to include all insulation layers in the calculation, i.e.: old plaster, adhesive mortar, thickness of insulation material and depth of plug installation in the substrate.

Invisible installation

There are two technologies for installing mechanical fasteners – visible and concealed installation. The second method requires an additional element such as polystyrene foam or wool disc and the use of a plastic or metal cutter. The concealed installation makes it possible to reduce the point thermal conductivity of the fasteners, in particular with a metal nail, and thus to improve the thermal insulation parameters of the building envelope.

The right number of fasteners

The final step in facade design is to calculate the number of plugs per m² of insulation. This number depends on the size of the building, its location and the materials used. The positioning of the thermal insulation plugs is also not a matter of chance, but should be defined in the technical design.

Properly executed insulation is a guarantee of warmth, peace and safety. Before starting the investment, it is worth considering the right selection of insulation material and using the best and proven technical solutions for the execution.

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