The first ETICS system was installed in Berlin back in 1957. Countries like Austria and Switzerland adopted the new technology already in the early 1960s. From there the technology to improve the thermal resistance of external walls, the protection against weathering, the living comfort and health of inhabitants spread across Europe and further around the globe. Experience from different countries and climate zones demonstrates: ETICS have performed since extremely well.

This has even been scientifically approved. The German Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics frequently inspects numerous facades insulated with ETICS already decades ago, involving different insulation materials. They monitor aging effects and precisely document their findings.

The last study from 2023 emphasizes that even after around 50 years of service life under real conditions all inspected facades show no significant failures. The study concludes:

“The maintenance costs due to real defects are very low for the assessed ETIC systems, and the durability of the systems can also be considered as very good. A service life of 50 years and possibly more can be expected provided the right material combination is used and the system is properly maintained.”

That means: if systems are installed properly, considering system loyalty (ETICS are assessed as kits and delivered by one manufacturer) and following the instructions of the ETICS manufacturer, and as long as maintenance is taken seriously, the life-time expectation is equal to non-insulated brickwork with render systems. Moreover, as the finishing coat of an ETIC system is decoupled from the brickwork thanks to the insulation, the risk of cracks is even smaller.

Today, after hundreds of millions of square meters of ETICS used under different climate conditions and a variety of building types, they have proven their superb durability in the field.

  • ETICS contribute to the prolongation of the life cycle of buildings.
  • ETICS require little maintenance: normally only fresh paint during usual renovation cycles.
  • ETICS need not to be replaced but last as long as the building they are applied to.
  • ETICS installed decades ago today are often upgraded to state-of-the-art thermal resistance by just adding an additional ETICS on top.
  • ETICS contribute during their entire service life to significant CO2 reductions and the EU strategy to decarbonization by 2050.

Isn’t that amazing? And truly sustainable.