Durability prediction of external thermal insulation composite systems - ETICS on the example of masonry multi-storey...

This paper presents the results of research into the technical wear and durability of the facade layers of the ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) used on the walls of masonry buildings located in the Legnica-Głogów Copper District (LGCD) in Poland. In addition to safety and serviceability issues, the problem of damage appears as one of the potential causes of a reduction in the thermal performance of the building envelope. This, in turn, places the problem high on the list of factors that must be met in order to ensure the required energy performance of buildings. This paper is concerned with the damage process and the phenomenon of material degradation over the entire technical life cycle. As a result of the conducted analyses, a model of the course of technical wear (deterioration) over time was obtained for the façade layers of an ETICS system. The total technical life cycle of the system was determined to be close to 40 years. In addition, based on the PRRD (Prediction of Reliability according to Rayleigh Distribution) method, the optimal renovation date, service life and predicted end of technical life (total degradation) of the ETICS system were determined. As a result of the analyses, it emerged that the required time after which renovation is necessary was determined to be approximately 25 years of ETICS service life. The estimated service life of ETICS under the analysed conditions was approximately 33 years. The obtained results can, help building owners and administrators, to plan the renovation of ETICS systems more efficiently in order to maintain the thermal resistance of buildings at an appropriate level. Determining the optimum time of required repair leads to a more reasonable demand for building materials. This in turn, given the large building stock, can make a significant contribution to the global reduction of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.