External Facade Thermal Insulation Applications: Critical Values Are +5°C and +35°C

Baumit, operating in 30 countries across Europe, develops high-standard products at its Innovation Centre capable of responding to different climate conditions and seasonal temperature variations. However, there are two critical temperature thresholds that require particular attention during product application: +5°C and +35°C.

Baumit Innovation Centre continues its work to ensure that products meet each country's conditions according to a common formula and maintained quality standard. Product development is important, but correct application is equally important in enhancing product performance and protection of structures. For this reason, Baumit Turkey draws attention to a critical point in product applications as air temperatures drop during winter months: the Risk of Water Freezing. For all water-containing products ranging from external facade thermal insulation systems to floor systems, application at the specified temperature values is extremely important. This issue becomes even more significant in external facade thermal insulation systems that provide structural protection and aim to minimize energy consumption. Because problems occurring during application can lead to reduced performance and subsequently to various issues. Due to global climate change, product applications must be carried out in increasingly difficult winter and summer conditions.

For this reason, Baumit Turkey emphasizes the necessity of paying attention to ambient temperature and surface temperature during application of all water-containing or water-prepared products.

Because in these products +4 degrees, the initial temperature at which water transitions from liquid to solid state, and +35 degrees, the initial temperature at which water transitions to gas state, are critical values. When formulating products, materials such as cement used as the main binder react with water to gain strength. Appropriate water ratios are determined by taking into account necessary additional additives, and formulas are created. They do not recommend using freeze-delay additives below +5 degrees; similarly, they do not recommend using water-retention agents for temperatures above +35 degrees, as these could have negative effects on product performance. Instead, particularly during winter months, to prevent the risk of water freezing contained in products, they recommend raising the ambient temperature to the required +5 degrees with the help of heaters by closing or covering the application area with necessary protective equipment; maintaining the temperature value during the curing period. During summer months, in working conditions above +35 degrees, they recommend preventing direct exposure of the application area and surface to sunlight, isolating with protective covers to lower the temperature below the specified value. Furthermore, if necessary, they recommend waiting for suitable conditions until desired temperature values are reached before continuing with application.