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According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), building operations account for 30% of global final energy consumption and 26% of global energy-related emissions. A large part of this is caused by heating and cooling. With global warming increasing, the effort for cooling will rise. We are already seeing the use of air conditioning grow. This increases energy consumption, which in turn fuels global warming. One proven way out of this vicious cycle is to insulate the exterior of buildings.
Exterior Insulated Finishing Systems (EIFS), are proven solutions for insulating building envelopes. Since the 1950s, these have been mainly used in cold climates to reduce heating energy, and our polymeric binders have played an essential role in the functionality of the mortars used between the layers of EIFS.
Our model house study in Dubai, supervised by Dubai Central Laboratories, has now shown clear advantages in hot climates, too. In our test, EIFS saved around 59% of the energy needed for cooling.
What Makes Good EIFS?
We have seen that correct installation is an important factor for the durability of EIFS. Another is the quality of the individual elements and how they interact. While the insulation board is the heart of the system, this board would be of no or only temporary use without the right adhesive, a suitable base coat and fiber mesh or an appropriate top coat. Our VINNAPAS® polymer powders and dispersions are essential components of these elements.