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What is EIFS (ETICS) and how does it work?

Insulation · 5 min read

EIFS (External Insulation Finishing System), called ETICS in Europe, is a facade assembly that bonds insulation boards to the outside of a wall, covers them with a reinforced basecoat and mesh, and finishes with a decorative render. It moves the insulation layer outside the structure, cutting thermal bridging and heat gain.

Layer by layer

Adhesive mortar, insulation board (EPS, mineral wool or XPS), mechanical fixings, reinforced basecoat with alkali-resistant glass-fibre mesh, primer, and a textured or smooth finish coat.

Why it matters in hot climates

In Dhaka's climate the dominant load is cooling, not heating. External insulation keeps the structural mass on the cool side of the envelope, flattening internal temperature swings and cutting air-conditioning demand.

Critical details

Base track, corner beads, window reveals and expansion joints are where EIFS succeeds or fails. Mesh must be fully embedded in the basecoat with overlaps at every board joint, and diagonal reinforcement is required at opening corners.

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Reviewed by

Engr. Mahmudul Hasan

Technical Director, Terraco Bangladesh

B.Sc. Civil Engineering (BUET), Chartered Member IEB

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Standards referenced

  • ETAG 004 / EAD 040083-00-0404: External thermal insulation composite systems
  • EN 13499: Thermal insulation products — ETICS based on expanded polystyrene

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