ᐅ Installation blocks added later in the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS)...

Hello,

The background of my question is the retrofitting of shutters on a rendered ETICS facade with 16cm Styrofoam (6 inches) insulation and 16cm aerated concrete as the structural backing wall. Some installers recommend using ETICS thermal anchors for this, while others say the leverage forces are too high and instead suggest insulating mounting blocks that are bonded to the structural backing wall with threaded rods/sleeves/injection mortar. I tend to favor the mounting blocks myself but, as a layperson, I cannot assess the risks involved.

Now the specific question: If you open an existing ETICS facade, cut out a piece of Styrofoam, fix a mounting block to the backing wall, then put the piece of Styrofoam back on, reapply reinforcing mesh and render, what risks does this involve? Would the “damaged” spot in the ETICS then be particularly susceptible to moisture?

Thanks for your advice,

Good luck

So, I know these anchors; we used them to fix exterior lights. They are okay for that purpose. But if I imagine using four of these anchors to hold shutters, I start to get worried.

I have seen these mounting blocks before, and I trust them somewhat more, but I cannot give a definitive answer to your question.

toxicmolotow schrieb:
I know these anchors; we used them to mount outdoor lights.

We also installed our outdoor lights using ETICS anchors (Fischer FID 50), which works fine. For the shutters, they probably mean anchors fixed directly into the masonry, such as Fischer Thermax 8/10. In my opinion, that is sufficient for shutters.

Mounting blocks can be used in addition to the anchors, since the insulation is not load-bearing. When done properly and professionally, adding mounting blocks later on is not a problem. Of course, it involves additional work with the plaster...

As a non-professional, I would be concerned about how well the anchor holds in aerated concrete. The anchor manufacturers should provide information on this.

Hello, thank you for the responses.

Thermal insulation anchors are off the table for us, as the shutter manufacturer advised against using them. For us, only installation blocks (specifically: mounting brackets TRA-WIK® Aluminum RF by Dosteba, [MEDIA=YouTube]De_wbzCLlQw[/MEDIA]) are an option. They are not supposed to be fixed with anchors in the aerated concrete (PPW2, strength class 2), but rather bonded with injection mortar. This is at least the recommendation I received from Dosteba. What are your thoughts?

I would do it that way!

The Fischer Thermax is also available with a 16mm (5/8 inch) threaded rod that is glued into a hole in the masonry. This provides a strong hold and is often used for securing awnings, sun sails, and similar fixtures.