ETICS systems

External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) with polystyrene insulation materials

The media is currently reporting on fire hazards that could potentially be caused by ETIC systems with bonded expanded polystyrene insulation boards (ETIC system with EPS insulation boards). The discussion was triggered by the fire on a façade under construction on a building site in Frankfurt am Main at the end of May this year. The façade had not yet been completed at the time of the fire, which probably contributed significantly to the unexpectedly rapid progression of the fire. Based on the information available to date, the fire incident does not pose any direct risk to existing buildings with properly installed ETIC systems with EPS insulation boards. Regardless of this, the incident is being taken very seriously.

Recommendation

According to current knowledge, the ETICS systems in question are sufficiently safe when used in accordance with the authorisation (see statement by the German Institute for Building Technology - DIBt). Care must be taken to ensure that the coordinated system components are installed with the necessary care and expertise in accordance with their general building authority approval (abZ). Accordingly, a specialised company should carry out the work. It is advisable to obtain certification that the construction work complies with the abZ.
Particular care must be taken during construction work to ensure that no large quantities of flammable materials are stored near the building.