Evaluation of roofs and facades with polycarbonate sheets
Manufacturers of building systems based on polycarbonate multiwall sheets must obtain a CE mark for their products. This implies that the sheets meet the requirements of EN 16153, but it does not provide any guarantee on the combined performance of the sheets and the substructure, which is the true responsible for stability, insulation and fire resistance. To fill this gap, an evaluation protocol will be designed, contemplating the behaviour of the building system as a whole and checking it against the national regulations.
Assessment of curved glass
Curved glass is a construction product without a harmonized standard, so the CE mark can also be achieved through a European Technical Evaluation (ETA). The issue of ETAs is based on EAD guidelines in order to follow the same product evaluation criteria throughout Europe. But current EADs for curved glass do not cover all possible manufacturing processes, and ITeC is contributing to complete the protocols that have not been yet developed.
Conversion of the ETAG 034 guideline for external wall claddings
So far, external wall claddings applying for a European Technical Approval had to follow the guidelines in ETAG 034. But the EU Regulation 305/2011 for construction products requires that the process must follow a European Assessment Document (EAD). The conversion of this ETAG into an EAD has been assigned to of a working group of 10 institutes from 8 countries, under the coordination ("conveyance") of ITeC.
Evaluation of composite cladding panels
Application of the European evaluation protocols for lightweight panels made of a core with an aluminum sheet covering both sides. The panels have been subject to the analyses prescribed by European regulations (mechanical resistance, fire safety, safety in use and durability) and the different installation alternatives have been defined to make sure that the panels are correctly put in place.
Assessment of drywall systems for facades
Development of a European reference guide for building solutions where drywall techniques are used for facades, either in standard or cavity wall configuration. They feature a metal subframe that supports different cement boards, gypsum boards and thermal and acoustic insulation.
Opportunity costs in the market of renovation of facades
Facade renovation is a market with a very significant volume in Spain, but the percentage of cases where the renovation is aimed towards energy efficiency is still quite low. The study compares the extra cost required in those deeper renovation operations with the costs of the energy that is wasted if the façade just undergoes only superficial repairs. Every time that somebody writes a project, asks for a building license and pays the installation of a scaffolding in a façade is a lost opportunity if the insulation is not upgraded at the same time.
Evaluation of cavity wall facades with discontinuous outward surfaces
Development of regulatory and functional requirements according to the European and Spanish standards for different buildings solutions for cavity walls where the outward surface is tiled with ceramic, stone or metal pieces assembled on a metal subframe. It is part of ITeC’s contribution to the European working group that develops the ETAG 034 guideline for assessing these facade systems.
Durability assessment of adhesives used for fixing lightweight façade claddings
Durability assessment of adhesives used for fixing lightweight façade claddings One way to fix panels to the substructures in lightweight façades is using double-sided adhesive tapes, but the main concern is the long-term performance of this solution. In order to evaluate the durability of the bonding properties of the tape, a testing protocol has been defined in cooperation with independent experts on materials science. ITeC has provided technical references from different assessment procedures used in European Technical Approvals for making the new protocol as close as possible to the European criteria.
Assessment mortars for façade rendering
Development of the regulatory and functional requirements to assess at European and Spanish level different rendering products for facades. It includes the cases of monocouche mortars, lime mortars and mortars to be applied directly on top of thermal insulation.
Evaluation of ETICS: external thermal insulation systems for facades
Development of regulatory requirements to assess at European level different building solutions around the ETICS concept of adding thermal insulation from the outside side of the facade. The scope includes both systems with a continuous finishing coat of mortar and those with a final facing of tiles of different materials. It includes best practices to build wall bases, cantilevers, expansion joints and corners.