Hygrothermische Beanspruchung und Lebensdauer von Wärmedämm‐Verbundsystemen

Hygrothermal loads and service life of external wall insulation systems. Service life and aging behaviour of external wall systems depend on their hygrothermal loads. Apart from the fluctuating climatic conditions temperature, solar radiation and humidity there are often additional exterior or interior sources of moisture, e.g. driving rain, construction moisture or surface condensation acting on facades. External wall insulation systems (ETICS = E xternal T hermal I nsulation C omposite S ystems) are especially affected due to their low mass. However, the long‐term observation by repeated inspections of the same objects over a period of 30 years proves that ETICS show not more damage than traditional facades. Apart from minor esthetical problems due to soiling or microbial growth their long‐term behaviour is very encouraging. Maintained at normal intervals ETICS are as durable as traditionally rendered masonry walls.