Analysis of On-site Construction Processes for Effective External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) Installation☆

Abstract Developing a more energy efficient building stock is the focus of the European energy policies. Much of the required reduction in energy consumption needs to be achieved through the renovation of existing buildings. The External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) is widely used for the reconstruction of apartment building facades to improve thermal performance. However, the impact of the building technology and the construction process management on the quality of these reconstructed facades has received relatively little attention. In this paper, the defects in facades reconstructed using the ETICS are identified and classified, relating them to the corresponding deficiencies in the on-site technology and management. The focus is on the identification of the factors that influence facade durability in order to outline an assessment methodology for on-site monitoring.