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Long-Term Performance of Thermal Insulating Composite Systems Based on Water Resistance and Surface Multifunctionality

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Borsoi

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
    National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Av. do Brasil, 101, 1700-066 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • João L. Parracha

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
    National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Av. do Brasil, 101, 1700-066 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Jéssica D. Bersch

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Ana R. Garcia

    (Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
    Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Amélia Dionísio

    (Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente (CERENA), Departamento de Engenharia de Recursos Minerais e Energéticos (DER), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Paulina Faria

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Department of Civil Engineering (DECivil), NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal)

  • Rosário Veiga

    (National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Av. do Brasil, 101, 1700-066 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Inês Flores-Colen

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICSs) are increasingly applied in both new construction and energy retrofitting, where long-term durability under environmental exposure is critical to preserving thermal efficiency. Moisture ingress represents a key degradation factor, reducing insulation performance and undermining energy savings promoted by the ETICS. The effectiveness of these systems is strongly influenced by surface protection, which also reflects aesthetic and biological resistance. This study investigates the influence of three commercial protective surface coatings, characterized by hydrophobicity, photocatalytic activity, and resistance to biological growth, on ETICS finishes based on acrylic, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), and silicate binders. An artificial aging protocol was employed to evaluate coating stability and compatibility with the finishing layers. Results show that acrylic-based finishes provided superior durability and protection, while coatings on NHL and silicate substrates exhibited lower performance. Notably, a TiO 2 enriched photocatalytic coating, despite improved self-cleaning potential, demonstrated the least durability. The findings highlight that optimal ETICS protection requires coatings that combine low water absorption, effective drying, and biological resistance, thereby ensuring sustained thermal and energy performance over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Borsoi & João L. Parracha & Jéssica D. Bersch & Ana R. Garcia & Amélia Dionísio & Paulina Faria & Rosário Veiga & Inês Flores-Colen, 2025. "Long-Term Performance of Thermal Insulating Composite Systems Based on Water Resistance and Surface Multifunctionality," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:18:p:5008-:d:1754078
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