Composition of thermal insulation system

The façade does not only represent the building’s final colour; it is a complete system of materials that provides long-term protection from external influences, structural protection, reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling, and improves thermal comfort. There are several types of façade; the most common and affordable is a thin-layer contact façade or thermal insulation system (TIS). This system consists of façade adhesive, thermal insulation, fastening anchors, reinforcing mesh, and undercoat and finishing plaster.

With quality execution, the entire system will function as a coordinated whole and ensure long service life of the façade.

Choosing the thermal insulation system 

At Helios, you can choose from a selection of thermal insulation systems, which differ mainly in the type of thermal insulation (EPS or styrofoam, EPS GRAFIT and MW or mineral/stone wool) and the finishing plaster (acrylic, silicone, silicate and silicone-silicate).

The most common choice is the cost-effective system SPEKTRA EPS classic or SPEKTRA MW premium, which offers better vapour permeability and additional fire safety due to the stone wool and silicone finishing plaster. 

Choosing the finishing layer

Finishing plasters differ in the type of binder (acrylic, silicone…) and in the main properties found in the comparison table below. In principle, for vapour-permeable insulation (stone wool), it makes sense to choose plasters with a higher degree of vapour-permeability; for EPS insulation, this criterion can be ignored as it does not play a significant role.

Finishing plasters can be smooth (Z), grooved (R) or applied by machine, which produces a slightly more robust effect. Different granulations (1.0-2.5 mm) are possible, which give the plaster a different structure.

Additional protection

For additional resistance to hail and when choosing darker shades for the finishing coat, we recommend ˝STRONG˝ execution, where double reinforcement achieves greater mechanical resistance of the system. The service life of finishing plasters can also be significantly extended by applying façade paint, either when installing the system or when renovating. This year's novelty is the high-quality façade paint SPEKTRA Top Dry with the function of extremely fast water drainage and drying of façade surfaces after rain, dew and fog. As a result, the façade stays cleaner, and fast drying also prevents the formation of mould and algae. SPEKTRA Top Dry façade paint has a high durability of the shades and in the case of darker shades, it allows the use of shades based on IR pigments, which stay cooler compared to classic dark coating shades. This way, the entire system and the building itself stay cooler, which extends the façade’s durability.

Choosing the façade paint

Recently, architects and users have noticed darker, especially grey shades becoming more popular. We generally recommend light and neutral shades for façades, as darker ones are an additional burden on the façade system and the environment (urban heat islands) due to the increased warmth.

By choosing the SPEKTRA thermal insulation system, we also prepare colour studies for our customers, where they can check the final appearance of the desired façade colour.

In our new colour card Exterior Colour Collection all the shades are prepared from the most weather- and UV- stable inorganic pigments.

Technical support  

Renovating the façade cladding is a long-term investment and considerable financial burden. We recommend choosing a reliable and quality contractor who will follow the technical guidelines, instructions of the façade system’s manufacturer, and install materials in suitable weather conditions. Often, faults do not manifest immediately upon completion, and subsequently renovating a poorly executed heating system can be costly. Please read the manual for additional technical information on installing thermal insulation systems. Our technical advisors will be happy to help with your choice or technical questions. You can write to them at [email protected].