Stone wool in ETICS forms part of a complete external thermal insulation composite system. Adhesive, fixings, reinforced base coat, mesh, primer and finish must be selected and installed as compatible components. The insulation slab alone does not determine the performance of the finished facade.
Stone wool in ETICS — checking system compatibility
Do not combine arbitrary components from different systems. The system documentation specifies the insulation, mortars, mesh, fixings and finishes. Substituting a component may affect adhesion, wind-load performance, fire resistance and facade durability.
Assess and prepare the substrate
The substrate must have the load-bearing capacity and flatness required by the system. Remove contamination and layers that impair adhesion before bonding, and choose a preparation method suitable for the existing wall. Refurbishment projects may require adhesion tests and checks of the fixings.
Slab layout and detailing
Slabs should form a level, close-jointed surface with staggered joints. Gaps, damaged edges and unsuitable gap fillers make it harder to apply the reinforced base coat correctly. Pay particular attention to the corners of openings, plinths, movement joints, system terminations and connections to flashings.
Adhesive bonding and mechanical fixing
The adhesive application method, number and layout of fixings, and anchorage depth should not be based on habit. They depend on the system documentation, substrate, building height and loads. Incorrectly installed fixings may create surface irregularities and local thermal bridges.
Reinforced base coat and site conditions
Embed the mesh in the mortar at the position specified for the system, with the required overlaps and additional reinforcement at details. Temperature, wind, rain and direct sunlight affect the curing of wet-applied materials, so facade work must follow the conditions specified in the installation instructions.
Select BASALT slabs to suit the specific facade solution and its system documentation. Explore facade insulation
Technical reference
ETICS is assessed as a kit comprising insulation, fixings and a rendering system. Its components and assessment methods are described, among other sources, in EAD 040083-01-0404.
