A list of new EADs was published on 29^th October in OJEU (Decision (EU) 2020/1574), including EAD 040083-00-0404 External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) with renderings, that supersedes former ETAG 004, which had been the harmonised European reference for the assessment and CE-marking of this type of systems so far.

EAD 040083-00-0404 is an adaptation of ETAG 004 to current regulatory context and criteria laid down by Construction products regulation (EU) 305/2011. This EAD has a similar assessment approach as compared to ETAG 004, though the following new elements are considered:

• Clarification of some test methods, as well as changes in the way how some test results are expressed in the ETA.
• The following new essential characteristics are included, which are regulated in some European countries for certain insulation products:
  • Façade fire performance
  • Propensity to undergo continuous smouldering.

It is to be noted that these two essential characteristics are not regulated in Spanish Building code (CTE).

Therefore, the ETAs and the corresponding CE markings issued from October 29, 2020 must follow this EAD. With regard to ETAs issued prior to that date, it is not mandatory for manufacturers to update their ETAs to the new EAD, albeit over time (and whenever the manufacturers want to make any change and therefore get their ETA reissued), it will be necessary to adapt them to this new reference.

ETAs for Etics systems provide a rigorous evaluation of the main functions and performance of the systems considering their actual conditions of use and exposure: behaviour against rainwater and other atmospheric agents, water vapor permeability, thermal insulation, fire behaviour, fixings resistance, if any, adhesion and durability of the system and of its performance.

The image below shows the test specimen for the hygrothermal behaviour test as stipulated by the EAD, which is the main test to assess the behaviour and durability of Etics against weather exposure (thermal oscillations, rain and freeze/thaw). The test specimen reproduces a façade canvas, including windows, since the vertices of windows are always sensitive points where cracking of the rendering may occur. This test allows to assess the Etics system through the possible occurrence of cracks, detachments, loss of adhesion of the rendering, as well as the resistance to impacts.

Specimen for the hygrothermal test of an Etics system.

The ITeC has experience in evaluating different types of Etics systems, both of “classic” Etics with continuous renderings that are governed by the above-mentioned EAD 040083-00-0404, and of Etics that constitute variants with respect to the “classic” Etics, such as:

• Etics in which the rendering is a discontinuous cladding (clay units, stone, etc.): in this case EAD 040287-00-0404 applies (Kits for external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) with panels as thermal insulation and discontinuous claddings as outer skin).
• Etics in which the substrate on which they are applied are wooden elements: in this case EAD 040089-00-0404 applies (ETICS with rendering for use on timber frame buildings).
• Etics in which the thermal insulation is a board of natural insulation material (cork, wood fibres, etc.): in this case EAD 040083-00-0404 applies in general, although it is necessary to analyse case by case the specific type of natural insulation proposed by the manufacturer, to confirm the applicability of said EAD.