The ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System) — external thermal insulation facade system — adhesive cannot be replaced with general-purpose tile adhesive or plaster mortar. Attaching the insulation board to the facade is a system-technical task: the adhesive must be compatible with the board material, the substrate, and the thermal and mechanical behavior of the entire system.
ETICS adhesive is a cement-based, modified mineral adhesive mortar developed for bonding insulation boards — EPS, graphite EPS, mineral wool — to facade substrates. Its formula includes weather resistance, freeze-thaw cycle tolerance, and sufficient mechanical bonding strength to hold heavy boards.
ETICS systems in Europe require system certification (ETA — European Technical Assessment). The certificate applies to the entire system, not individual components. Replacing the ETICS adhesive with another non-certified product invalidates the certificate — which affects warranty obligations and building insurance considerations.
The mechanical properties of EPS (polystyrene foam) boards and mineral wool boards differ. Mineral wool is heavier and more absorbent — therefore, the adhesive developed for mineral wool has a different composition and application method than that used for EPS. The datasheet and system certification always specify which board material the adhesive is approved for.
In the base zone of the facade — where impact and moisture exposure are higher — an adhesive with increased mechanical strength is required. In some systems, the base zone adhesive and the general facade adhesive are different products.
ETICS adhesive is generally applied using the edge-dot method (ribbed-dot) or full-surface application. Full-surface bonding is recommended in wet and humid climates, as well as near water, to prevent moisture penetration.
Browse our ETICS adhesives or request advice for assembling your facade insulation system.
The Kerakoll Color Collection is an integrated project that includes innovative materials - resin, cement, handcrafted wood, microcoatings, paints, and glazes - coordinated on a single color palette.
