The service life of the thermal insulation system
and the manufacturer's warranty. What to look out for?

The ETCIS system is a comprehensive system that improves the thermal insulation properties of vertical walls in both new and existing buildings. Such a system usually includes adhesive for bonding thermal insulation boards and embedding mesh, primer, thin-layer plaster, thermal insulation material, mesh for the reinforced layer, a preparation for priming walls before bonding the insulation, and dowels for additional stabilisation of the insulation material.

ETICS systems are estimated to have a service life of 25 years. Unfortunately, the estimated service life cannot be required under the warranty provided by the ETICS manufacturer. The service life of the system depends on many factors that are beyond the manufacturer's control. System manufacturers provide warranties for a period of 2 to 5 years. The granting of a warranty and the assurance of the expected service life of ETICS depend on use and maintenance in accordance with the instructions. Users and owners must be informed by the contractor (hereinafter referred to as "contractor") and be fully aware of the harmfulness of unauthorised interference with the system and the impact of such interference on the warranties provided and the service life of ETICS.

The ETICS manufacturer's legal warranty does not apply to defects caused by incorrect installation or defects caused by other than normal use or foreseeable effects. The contractor shall enable the ETICS manufacturer, on the basis of a written agreement, to verify the compliance of the system installation process with the ETICS manufacturer's recommendations. An appropriate report shall be drawn up as a result of the inspection.

What else is worth remembering?

• Insulation using the ETICS method should be carried out in accordance with the ETICS instructions and construction documentation, which are an integral part of the building.
• A complete ETICS system from a single manufacturer should be used, including all components specified and described in its documentation.
• Check the delivered materials and report any defects in the delivery immediately upon receipt of the shipment and make appropriate comments on the delivery note.
• Hidden defects should be reported as soon as possible, but no later than 5 days after discovery. All complaints should be submitted in writing, and the following documents should be provided with the complaint:
  • ETICS system documentation, construction documentation and design documentation, if required.
  • A set of documents confirming that the insulation system was delivered as a complete system from a single manufacturer.
  • Written confirmation of the inspections carried out and the construction log.