The Durability Test Method for External Thermal Insulation Composite System Used in Cold and Wet Climate Countries

Abstract

The paper proposes the durability prediction method for ETICS, which could be applied in cold and wet climate regions.  This improved method is based on the international and nowadays applicable standards for systems service life assessment (ETAG 004, ISO 15462), and completes them with other necessary impact criteria. This study examines the main climate exposures and how these impacts reproduced in the laboratories. The paper analyses the extreme air temperature and rainfall changes, the intensity ultraviolet radiation (UV) in Lithuania. The analysis is based on evaluation of daily and yearly data recorded by meteorological stations.

The aim of the research is to compose the accelerated ageing cycle for ETICS taking into account the characteristics of building materials and identifying the potential degradation factors and indicators. In order to establish the combinations of impacts in ageing cycles, it is necessary the adequate evaluation of intensity of environmental exposures of a certain locality. The basic goal is to create the reliable accelerated ageing cycle which would be as similar as natural ageing.

Also this paper includes a review of published literature on accelerated ageing and outdoor climate characterization.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.1.2.2778