The problems of a deteriorated insulation system
Thermal insulation makes it possible to significantly reduce the energy consumption of one's home, while benefiting from substantial savings and better living comfort.
The ETICS (insulation system) is one of the most widely-used solutions for this kind of issue, especially in renovations, due to the many advantages it offers over other insulation systems, such as:
- Elimination of thermal bridges from structural connections
- Improvement of the thermo-hygrometric behavior of walls
- Significant increase in thermal inertia
- Ease of installation, especially in renovations
main problems related to poor system installation or use of unsuitable products
When the use of materials of doubtful quality is associated also with improper installation,
deterioration phenomena may occur within a few seasons (thermal cycles) that could compromise both insulation performance and aesthetics of the building, such as:
- cracks
- molds and algae
- panel detachment
- surface damage
- bumps and bulges
- thermal bridges
- accelerated ageing of the external facade
These aesthetic defects may have significant repercussions on the insulating properties of the insulation system, and, depending on severity, can partly or wholly frustrate the benefits of saving and living comfort.
In more serious cases the building's energy performances are even worsened, when, for example, new thermal bridges or large-scale damage are caused between the insulating panels.
Redeveloping works in the event of deterioration
The importance of acting as soon as possible: with the passing of thermal cycles, simple, easily-solvable problems can transform into complex situations that are costly to resolve. Indeed, when issues can no longer be solved with targeted actions, the only solution is to demolish the whole system.
Thanks to the experience gained over many years of assistance, and on-site consulting, where diverse issues with insulation systems have been addressed and resolved, Colorificio San Marco proposes solutions for these most frequent cases of deterioration:
- Molds and algae
- Light cracks
- Larger cracks
WE HAVE SOLUTIONS TO ALL THE PROBLEMS!
1) MOLDS AND ALGAE
As with all standard external walls, depending on hygrothermal balances and particular conditions, the surfaces may be under attack from molds and algae.
The surfaces of the insulation systems must therefore be coated with suitable mold- and algae- inhibiting finishes.
INTERVENTION SYSTEM
Cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces with Combat system, consolidation, acrylic-siloxane mold-/algae- inhibiting finishing.
PRODUCTS
- Combat 222 detergent
- Combat 333 disinfectant
- Atomo micronized fixative
- finishing of the Acrisyl acrylic-siloxane range with Combat HP or Marcotherm-Syl.
ADDITIONAL MOLD-/ALGAE- INHIBITING PROTECTION NEEDS: "COMBAT HP"
Due also to the climate change of recent years, phenomena of algae, funghi and other micro-organisms are much more serious, and have become an increasingly widespread problem affecting building walls. The COMBAT HP solution has been developed to solve this problem, as a high-performance sanitating additive specific for external mold-/algae- inhibiting coatings and paintings.
COMBAT HP is an additive formulated to enhance protection against mold and algae. It is specific for exterior wall coverings that are already mold- and algae- inhibiting. Particularly suited for sites in very wet climates with significant presence of fungal spores.
Please note: the Marcotherm-Syl Intonachino and Marcotherm-Syl Rustico coatings already provide extra protection against mold and algae.
2) LIGHT CRACKS
By "light cracking" we mean cracks of up to 0.25 mm wide found on edges or in window recesses.
INTERVENTION SYSTEM
Consolidation, preparation of the background surface, and finishing with Elastomarc elastomeric mold-/algae- inhibiting range.
PRODUCTS
3) CRACKS
Large cracks of 0.25-0.60 mm wide, due to incorrect laying of the external cladding.
The lines of the insulating panels beneath may show through; they are found on the walls themselves or at the joins of the insulating panels or windows.
INTERVENTION SYSTEM
Reinforced smoothing, consolidation, mold-/algae- inhibiting acrylic-siloxane finishing.
PRODUCTS
- Eurocap Light
- Marcotherm Rete
- Marcotherm Primer
- finishing of the Acrisyl acrylic-siloxane range with Combat HP or Marcotherm-Syl
4) OTHER DAMAGES CAUSED BY DETERIORATED SYSTEMS
For repairs on heavily-compromised external insulation systems or systems that show more serious issues than those
listed above, such as:
- cracks wider than 0.60 mm
- bulges
- significant surface damage
- separation, even partial, of insulating panels or other
The on-site visit of a specialized technician is essential.
ON-SITE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
A case-by-case assessment and a diagnostics of the state of the building are necessary due to the variety of issues and factors that can affect the insulation performance of the building requiring system renovation.
For these tasks, Colorificio San Marco provides a free technical assistance service for on-site inspections; careful surveys are carried out using thermographic and hygrometric analysis to determine the most appropriate solution.
The service is activated through sales outlets and the Colorificio San Marco Professional Support Centres, or by contacting us here.
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