ETICS

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.

Find products Cladded Facade Insulation Metal wall applications

ETICS

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 cool air 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 gain.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 gained by reducing thermal bridging
Improving the energy efficiency of an entire building
Low-cost solution to upgrading existing properties
Installation without inhabitants having to move out

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ROCKWOOL external thermal insulation systems can offer different products such as slabs and lamella, in a range of thicknesses.

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.

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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 A1 non-combustible, ensuring the insulation will not burn or produce toxic fumes.

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

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

See how ROCKWOOL release the natural power of stone to enrich modern living.

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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 certain 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.

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Sustainability and energy efficiency

ROCKWOOL products used in external wall insulation systems reduce heating fluctuations and improve the thermal comfort of any building and 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.