External Wall Insulation Systems

¹Source: European Commission

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.

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

Example Build Up for Light Steel Frame Facade

Sikatherm® external wall insulation systems are extremely suitable for lightweight construction such as lightweight steel framing or wood timber framing.
An average insulation and finishing system weighs less than 15 kg/m² or 355 lb/ft².

It provides an opportunity to reduce investment in structural components that may be required for heavier cladding alternatives, thus lowering building costs.

Sikatherm® external wall insulation systems are the perfect solution for facades in off-site construction, from 2D panels to 3D volumetric applications. Its lightweight and flexible design has been proven effective across various project types. Prefabricated Sikatherm® systems combine the benefits of external insulation with the efficiency of factory fabrication, ensuring consistent quality regardless of external weather conditions.

These lightweight wall systems can be easily hoisted into position, providing both external insulation and secondary moisture protection. The extensive range of colors and textures offers architects unparalleled design flexibility, enabling the creation of customized, visually striking appearances. In addition, lightweight brick slips, also known as masonry veneers, can be incorporated to achieve the look of traditional masonry construction.

As concrete and cement account for around 7% of global CO₂ emissions, reducing clinker content and using supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) are essential for decarbonization. External wall insulation (ETICS/EIFS) systems, which rely heavily on cementitious materials, are a key area where substantial carbon reductions can be achieved. Recognizing this, Sika has introduced the Sikatherm® Impact system to help the industry meet its ambitious decarbonization goals.

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.

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:

1. Adhesive
   
2. Thermal insulation board
   
3. Mechanical fixing (e.g. plate anchors)
   
4. Base coat
   
5. Reinforcement (e.g. glass fiber mesh)
6. Finishing layer: finishing coat with a key coat (optional) and/or decorative coat (optional)
7. Accessories (e.g. fabricated corner beads, connection and edge profiles, expansion joint profiles, base profiles, etc.) - not shown in image
8. Air and weather barrier, as well as drainage plain (especially for wood and lightweight steel framing) - not shown in image

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:

1. Spray-applied thermal insulation render
   
2. Base coat
   
3. Reinforcement (e.g. glass fiber mesh)
4. Finishing layer: finishing coat with a key coat (optional) and/or decorative coat (optional)
5. Accessories (e.g. fabricated corner beads, connection and edge profiles, expansion joint profiles, base profiles, etc.) - not shown in image

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.
 

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.