Dismantling an ETICS system with students
A vacant house, expropriated and on the list of buildings to be demolished because of its location in a flood zone, was a perfect case for testing some dismantling techniques. The facade was insulated according to the ETICS system (External Thermal Insulation Composite System), in which the facade is insulated on the outside and the insulation is finished with facade render.
Five students tested different dismantling methods and mapped all parameters during the process. This dismantling had a threefold purpose. The dismantling released EPS samples on which performance could be tested; it also made it possible to test and document different dismantling techniques. And finally, the students were able to get acquainted with circular construction, the importance of reusing materials and the pain points in current construction practice.
Dismantling tests
The most time-efficient way to remove the facade render from the insulation turned out to be cutting the render into vertical strips with an angle grinder. The strips of render could be pulled off the insulation easily and without much damage. Levering with a hammer and chisel and scraping the render off the insulation with a self-developed tool were also tested. These were less efficient and caused more damage to the insulation.
The next step, removing the EPS from the timber structure behind it, was not possible without damaging the insulation boards. Tests were carried out with a long wire, with a spade and with a handsaw, but each time the insulation broke into small pieces.
Conclusion
Due to the stubborn and abundant adhesive and the brittle structure of the EPS, the insulation boards broke into pieces. This also released a great many loose bits of EPS into the surroundings. Further research into the components of the adhesive and/or adapted tools may make it possible to remove the insulation boards from the underlying structure as well.
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