How would you feel if we told you that there is a system that reduces energy, heating and cooling costs by up to 70%? Yes, yes, you are not dreaming. You are reading well and today we are going to tell you what the SATE System consists of.
Before we start in depth, we can summarise it as a system to thermally and acoustically insulate a façade on the outside. Do you want to improve the thermal inertia of your building and minimise the appearance of thermal bridges? Read on and we’ll tell you all about it!
What does the SATE System consist of?
Since the first EPS (expanded polystyrene) insulation material was installed in Berlin in 1957, more and more professionals and individuals have decided to incorporate this technique into their buildings.
The essence of the SATE system lies in the placement of an insulating material directly on the wall surface, typically by means of an adhesive and mechanical fixings. This approach prevents the formation of weak points in the insulation of the building, improving the ability to retain heat and thus the thermal comfort inside the building.
It is crucial to recognise that ETICS is conceived as an integral façade system, where all its components are designed in a coordinated manner and compatible with the intended purpose, thus ensuring the best results at all stages of the construction project.
How is the SATE system installed?
The installation of the SATE system is a specialised process that requires experience and technical knowledge, as it requires the following steps to be followed for a perfect finish:
- Substrate Preparation: The exterior surface of the building, known as the substrate, must be clean, dry, stable and free of dirt, dust and contaminants. Any damage to the surface must be repaired prior to installation.
- Adhesive Application: This adhesive is specially formulated to ensure a strong bond between the insulation material and the building surface.
- Insulation Material Placement: The insulation material, which is usually an extruded or expanded polystyrene foam board, is placed over the adhesive while the adhesive is still wet. The panels are pressed firmly against the building surface and adjusted to ensure a uniform installation.
- Mechanical Fixing: Expansion nails or screws are used, to further secure the insulation boards to the substrate. These fixings are placed at strategic points to ensure the stability and security of the system.
Reinforcement of Joints and Corners: Reinforcing mesh and adhesive mortar are applied over the joints between the insulating panels and at the corners of the building. This reinforces the structure and prevents possible cracks.
Application of a Base and Finish Coat: A base coat of adhesive mortar is applied over the insulating panels. Subsequently, a finish coat is applied, which can be of different materials, such as stucco, acrylic coatings or paint.
Aesthetic finish: The final aesthetic finish is applied according to architectural design preferences. This may include the application of colours, textures and other decorative finishes.
Sealing and Protection: Windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent water and air infiltration. Additional protective treatments may be applied if necessary.
Advantages of the SATE System
Now that we know its exact definition and how to achieve an impeccable final result, it is time to get to know all that the SATE System can offer to homes that have it:
- Improves energy efficiency
- It achieves greater thermal comfort
- Reduces thermal bridges and prevents moisture condensation
- Saves money in the long term
- Reduces CO2 emissions
- Protects the building structure against weather and humidity
- Aesthetically improves the appearance of the building façade due to available design options
- Improves the acoustic insulation of the building/house
- Can help to meet energy efficiency requirements and local regulations
There are many ways to save on housing. It is not only the materials chosen that affect the final budget. So do the techniques we want to use. The SATE System has helped millions of people and now you can be one of them.
