The Statistics of Damage and Degradation of ETICS facades of renovated apartment buildings in Estonia

Abstract

In Estonia, External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) facades are known for being susceptible to degradation and failure which leads to cracks, discoloration, and plaster pieces falling off the facade. With the European Union’s goals of zero-emission building stock by 2050, once renovated but based on older practices buildings need renovation again. To shrink the need for time and resources, solutions used must be cost effective and durable. While ETICS is cost effective, currently it is susceptible to degradation and failure, but it is unclear what sort of degradation and where on the facade it appears. Survey of multiple buildings is necessary to map out any sort of damage pattern. In total 51 buildings with 189 facades were surveyed for 16 different forms of damage, chosen based on previous surveys to make them comparable. Overall, the spread of damage was uneven, as facades of the buildings experience slightly different conditions, therefore leading to different forms of damage as well. Most appeared in the lower areas of the facade, as the area is subjected to a higher moisture load while being shaded. 10 years have passed since the last survey of these buildings, and every sort of damage saw a rise in the number of occurrences. Out of this sample, only a handful of buildings had maintenance done, which resulted in less damage on the facades.