WO2011144187A2

WO2011144187A2 - System for inspection and/or renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems in the building industry and method of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications of these thermal insulation systems

Info

Publication number: WO2011144187A2
Application number: PCT/CZ2011/000057
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alois PALACKÝ
Original assignee: Ecoraw, S.R.O.
Priority date: 2010-05-21
Filing date: 2011-05-20
Publication date: 2011-11-24
Also published as: CZ2010395A3; EP2572053A2; WO2011144187A3

Abstract

The system for inspection and/or renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems in the building industry, has at least one measuring probe (11) arranged in the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) for inspection, measurement and diagnostics of thermal insulation systems, and/or at least one steam nozzle (10) for renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems. Each measuring probe (11) and/or steam nozzle (10) is favourably placed in the hole (7) made from the external siding of the building structure, with different angles with respect to the horizontal plane, and with outlet into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6). In the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6), the material can be implanted for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation and/or at least one anchoring element between the building structure and the building insulation. The material for the formation of the adhesion layer is favourably an expansion material; the anchoring element can be an expansion anchor (9). The method of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications in the thermal insulation systems is realized so that into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) or into the hole (7) made from the external siding of the building structure with different angles with respect to the horizontal plane and having outlet into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6), at least one measuring probe (11) is inserted for inspection, measurement and diagnostics of thermal insulation systems, and/or at least one steam nozzle (10) for renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems. As required, the material is implanted into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation and/or at least one anchoring element between the building structure and the building insulation. Inspection and diagnostics for the required renovations and/or modifications of the thermal insulation system are realized by the identification of at least one actual value of the values, including air temperature, air humidity, air flow and holding force of the adhesion layer, be that randomly, occasionally, in pre-determined time intervals or continually, or, as the case may be, in the remote way, possibly with recording the data about the measurement. Before implanting the material for the formation of the adhesion layer, the hole (7) and possibly even the anchoring element are cleaned; then they can be warmed up and consequently wetted.

Description

System for inspection and/or renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems in the building industry and method of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications of these thermal insulation systems Technical Field

The invention concerns the system for inspection and/or renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems in the building industry. Thermal insulation systems, contact or contact-less, represent a building product installed on the building structure. Between the building structure and the building insulation, air gaps and/or air cavities are situated.

The invention also concerns the method, of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications in these thermal insulation systems in the building industry.

Background of the Invention

US 2008/0078245 A1 describes the equipment for determining the density of the insulation material in the cavity of the building structure, which tests the force of the insulation material against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or the R-value of the insulation. The device can include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding of the sensor in a thoroughly secured position. The method for identification of density of the loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation material in the cavity of the wall with the help of the use of the sensor measures, therefore, the force applied on the sensor by the insulation material. The measured force is used for the identification of density of the insulation material. The thermal resistance of the insulation material is determined from the known cavity depth and insulation density.

The solution concerns the thermal resistance R and specific weight of the insulating material. These values are established by the project; it is not necessary to control them in the thermal insulation system locally because they are influenced continually mainly by humidity, usually within the whole area.

DE 4 024 049 A1 describes the monitoring of water barriers in the structure of the building by the application of electric sensors between the inner structure and the roof covering by the connection to the evaluation unit. Monitoring of the water barriers by means of the electric method including the application of sensors located between the inner building structure and the roof covering or water barrier favourably between a damp barrier and the insulation layer. The sensors are favourably resistors connected to the measurement unit for the measurement, evaluation and indication. Uninterrupted monitoring or interrupted sealing of the water barrier, especially on flat roofs, in tunnels etc. is enabled. Simple equipment can be installed additionally into the current structures and it can detect and localise the position of leaking places.

This method is designed for the roofs, especially for flat roofs, and its purpose is to identify and monitor tightness of insulations of roofs against water leakage. During the renovation of the system, the crucial fact is that the insulation system of the building was designed by a person authorized to do the such act. In case of thermal insulations of the insulation systems, no situation occurs, which would require the measurement of humidity of horizontal surfaces with respect of the roof building structure and the insulation layers.

DE 1 002 59 14 A1 describes the way for permanent monitoring of electrochemical, physical and chemical parameters of structures, made of armoured concrete, including the sensors located on or in the structures, the connection of the sensors to the assessment system in the way of the local data bus, transmission of non-assessed data from the sensors to the assessment system and pre-processing of the data by the system, the connection of the assessment system to the central monitoring, having a databank through the network, data transmission from the assessment system to the central monitoring, data storage to the central databank and automatic data transmission, when the threshold values, alarm functions are exceeded or are not achieved.

It concerns the assessment of specific parameters of concrete structures, which are not provided with thermally insulating strata. This described system describes static inspection and monitoring of reinforced concrete structures. It is expected that the building structure was sufficiently assessed by an authorized person while designing the thermal insulation system. The structures, on which the thermal insulation system needs to be renovated, are from different materials in an absolute majority of the cases.

DE 30 11 500 A1 deals with the equipment for monitoring failures, cracks on the surface of the roof or facade of the building by the measurement of electric conductivity of the walling. The measurement of the walling and its electrochemical conductivity is not required for diagnostics of the thermal insulation system. If cracks appear on the insulation strata and signs of lack of cohesion of the insulating material with the building structure appear, it is already too late to consider the restoration of the base of the insulation system - walling. The cracks on the facade can be detected visually. They have no direct impact on the thermal insulation function, where the cohesion of the insulation layer is crucial. It is not measured by that particular equipment.

US 2005268697 A1 introduces the equipment suitable for local measurement of density or thermal resistance of the material and/or R-value gas permeable materials. The equipment includes: a chamber including the first and the second input hole, diffuser for communication of liquids with the second output hole from the chamber, where the diffuser including the diffusion output for distribution of the flow of gas to or from the gas-permeable materials, and in the area of which the output of the diffuser is bigger that the area of the second outlet, and the pressure sensor arranged for the measurement of pressure in the chamber, the temperature sensor arranged for the measurement of gas temperature in the chamber, and the sensor of relative humidity arranged for the measurement of relative humidity in the chamber.

The equipment is designed for the measurement of the material and it does not enable the assessment of the thermal insulation of the building - in the insulation group of layers. The material shall be inserted into the test chamber, which is not realistic in case of the full-area thermal insulation.

NL 1 000 729 C1 describes the structures of a cavity wall with the internal electro-thermal layer. The wall consisting of two parallel boards separated with an air gap. The heating element consists of a layer of the electro-thermal material on or very close to the inner surface of one of the boards. The boards can be transparent. The electro-thermal element is of Peltier or Seebeck type. The thermal sensors inside or outside of the wall¹ are used for the measurement of the temperature gradient between the wall and the changes coming to the element. The boards, which are not used for the electro-thermal element, can be provided with a mirror layer for reflecting heat back from the external wall.

This structure ensures warming of the air gap, ensures possibly the reflection of heat from the external wall with the use of the reflection layer on the external wall. It concerns a new construction system - walling of the building structure, which consists of two parallel installed partition walls with the air gap, into which a thermal source is located (electro-thermal layer). The technical solution is totally outside the area of thermal insulation.

The objective of the identified documents is not the diagnostics of the conditions of the current thermally-insulating system on the building structure. Similarly, no solution deals with the restoration of the function of the thermally insulating strata according to the detected defects in such a way so that it would meet its purpose without threatening the property or health of the users either.

The objective of our invention is mainly the savings of the financial means of the owners of real estates, where failures of cohesion of the thermal insulation insulating system with the building structure occur, which could end up and in practice also often end up with the destruction of the thermal insulation system. A correctly performed inspection, diagnostics and renovation or modification of the conditions of thermal insulation system on the building structure avoids the aforesaid damages and complications.

Contact thermal insulation systems in the building industry include a thin external armoured layer, e.g. a plaster, which is on the insulating material. Under the insulating material, there is an adhesion layer, which should be on at least 40 % of the area, and mechanical PE (polyethylene) dowels or, as the case may be, other mechanical or chemical anchoring items. The contact system is subjected to the European standards based on the regulation ETAG 004, 014, according to which the adhesion layer consists of the peripheral consistent stripe, which closes the air gaps, cavities. Such gaps, cavities, are always formed independently, between each insulation board and the building structure facing it, within the area of max. 60 % of the surface of the insulation material.

The adhesion layer and anchoring of the insulating strata become the place with the highest risk in the contact thermal insulation systems. Without the destruction methods, it cannot be inspected and repaired. The adhesion layer with low cohesion degrades a considerable part of performed insulation of the contact systems (e.g. systems ETICS) by reducing their service life. It threatens indwellers and by-passing citizens with unexpected destruction of the whole strata. It is demonstrated mainly in case of prefabricated panel houses with increasing frequency. Thermal insulation of such dilapidated surfaces of such houses was and has been applied without adequate renovation and their depreciation continues below such thermal insulation too. Then wetting of the adhesion layer due to the impact of the condensate or in-leaking water releases locally dilapidated plasters even with the adhesive.

The technical solution of a majority of the contact systems used for thermal insulation of buildings does not enable compliance with the certified technologies of the contact thermal insulation systems (e.g. ETICS) and on-going inspection of adhesion of the insulation strata on the building structure and the renovation of possible defects in that layer either. With respect to the fact that it concerns a permanently formed sandwich, which falls into the area of the building products, its quality and functionality should be tested after its installation. None of the currently known technologies is able to detect and restore the conditions under the insulating material without destruction methods. The inspection is usually performed locally or at the time when the defect can be identified already on the surface or when the whole structure becomes polluted with fungi and possible wet. However, it tends to be too late for any renovation intervention. If the insulating system destructs itself, it threatens health and life of citizens. If the anchoring and adhesion system has been damaged only partially and the destruction has not taken place, it is nearly certain that functional service life of the whole thermal insulation has been threatened. And the risk of the unexpected destruction is increased gradually. Non-existence of a reliable inspection of area cohesion of the adhesion layer does not enable an additional renovation either. The contact thermal insulation systems require independent bonding with an adhesive applied in advance on the rear side of the insulating material and independent mechanical anchoring from the face side of the insulating material.

In the market, there are many anchoring items used primarily in the building industry. They include PE (polyethylene) dowels, metal distance anchors, chemical anchors and netting distance pieces. The said types of anchoring used from the exterior are dependent on the climatic conditions, e.g. temperature, which is decisive for the quality of anchoring. In case of low temperatures, physical properties of individual component of the building system, like insulation, anchor, wood, base structure, wall etc. are changed. Due to such effects, PE dowels loose their mechanical strength. Metal dowels dilate and in case of the chemical ones, the full-fledged chemical reaction does not take place. All of them create unsuitable thermal bridges across the insulation strata. Another negative impact is the lack of cohesion of the base, e.g. uneven surfaces and humidity of the walls and the building structures subjected to thermal insulation generally. Therefore, their application on dilapidated surfaces is totally unsuitable. They have an impact only with spot mechanical impact by pressure on individual layers, for which the cohesion strength of the insulating material is not adequate. Therefore, the required transfer of the holding force into the base does not occur.

The netting distance pieces are dependant on the applied PUR (polyurethane foam), which expands for a longer time in the cold conditions and achieves the required volume after a longer period, whereby it prolongs the anchoring operation. Generally it concerns the situation when the anchoring works are recommended at low temperatures because they can be risky. The safe level of outdoor temperature, when the insulating materials may be installed without danger and risks, is identified as temperatures above +5 °C. At lower temperatures or, as the case may be, at temperatures around or below the freezing point, there can be frost or ice in the base material, which changes the properties and shape of the anchoring place after de-freezing. Among other things, especially in case of ETICS, unfavourable humid climate is formed under the insulating material, without the possibility of adequate evaporation of water.

As far as we know, nowadays there has been no method of inspection, measurement and diagnostics of the conditions of thermal insulation systems, be that of the contact or contact-less method, in the adhesion and anchoring layer, which is the place of each thermal insulation system with the biggest risk. There have been only methods of repairs for contact thermal insulation systems, which are, however, of a destruction nature and they usually also damage a part or the whole thermal insulation system irrecoverably. The renovation or modifications of such systems are not performed on the basis of the reason that the defects cannot be detected in time either. In case of the contacWess systems in adhesion and anchoring layers, the renovation is not required due to the high bonding force of the used anchoring system. Summary of the Invention

The said disadvantages are eliminated or considerably reduced by the system for inspection and/or renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems in the building industry, where the thermal insulation systems, contact or contact-less, represent a building product installed on the building structure, and air gaps and/or the air cavity are situated between the building structure and the building insulation. The nature of this invention consists in the fact that in the air gaps and/or air cavities at least one measurement probe is arranged for inspection, measurement and diagnostics of thermal insulation systems, and/or at least one steam nozzle for renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems.

It is advantageous when each measuring probe and/or steam nozzle is placed in the hole made from the external siding of the building structure, under different angles with respect to the horizontal plane, and with outlet to the air gaps and/or air cavities.

It is also advantageous when, for the purpose of renovation and/or modifications of the thermal insulation system, material is implanted into the air gaps and/or air cavities for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation and/or at least one anchoring element between the building structure and the building insulation.

Favourably for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation, there is an expansion material producing adhesion targets.

The anchoring element can be the expansion anchor, made of distance pieces and expansion material.

For the system of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications of thermal insulation systems in the building industry, the method of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications is used in the thermal insulation systems pursuant to this invention, the nature of which consists in the fact that at least one measuring probe is inserted into the air gaps and/or air cavities for inspection, measurement and diagnostics of thermal insulation systems, and/or at least one steam nozzle for renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems, and material in implanted into the air gaps and/or air cavities as required for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation and/or at least one anchoring element between the building structure and the building insulation.

For inserting the measuring probe and/or steam nozzle into the air gaps and/or air cavities between the building structure and the building insulation, it is advantageous to create at least one hole that is brought from the external siding of the building structure, with different angles with respect to the horizontal plane, and with outlet into the air gaps and/or air cavities. The adhesion layer can be formed with the use of an expansion material, which forms adhesion targets between the building structure and the building insulation.

The anchoring element may be formed of distance pieces by filling the expansion material into the expansion anchors, arranged between the building structure and the building insulation.

In the air gaps and/or air cavities, inspection and diagnostics are performed with the measuring probe and/or steam nozzle for the required renovations and/or modifications of the thermal insulation system by the identification of at least one actual value of the values, including air temperature, air humidity, air flow and holding force of the adhesion layer.

In the air gaps and/or air cavities, the measuring probe and/or steam nozzle performs the measurement, inspection and diagnostics for the required renovations or modifications of the thermal insulation system randomly, occasionally, in predetermined time intervals or continually.

In the air gaps and/or air cavities, remote measurement, inspection and diagnostics can be performed, possibly with recording the data about the measurement.

It is advantageous when before implanting the material for the formation of the adhesion layer, the hole is cleaned and then the expansion material is inserted for forming double-sided adhesion targets in the hole, forming anchoring places in the air gaps or cavities.

Similarly it is advantageous when before implanting at least one anchoring item the hole and possibly even the anchoring element are cleaned simultaneously, and then the hole with inserted anchoring element is filled with foam to form the anchoring places in the air gaps and/or cavities between the insulation and the building structure for the purposes of renovations or modifications of the thermal insulation system.

Before implanting the expansion material and/or before implanting at least one anchoring element, the hole and possibly even the anchoring element can be warmed up simultaneously after cleaning.

Before implanting the expansion material and/or before implanting at least one anchoring element, the hole and possibly even the anchoring element, after cleaning and follow-up warming, are simultaneously wetted, favourably with pressurized steam with the temperature within the range of temperatures from 80 to 140 °C with pressure ranging from 1 to 5 bar.

Implanting the expansion material can be even realized at low outdoor temperatures, at least from the freezing point, within the range from 0 to 5 °C.

The main advantage of this invention is that the proposed method of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications enables performing these activities with a non-destruction method without any major violation of the surface of the building structures. The way pursuant to this invention is multi-functional because it ensures numerous functions, adhesion function, distance, dilatation, fixation, stopping, thermally insulating, hydro-isolating, while ensuring high holding force in varied materials within the whole insulation strata. Nowadays it concerns the only way of inspection applicable in the area of thermal insulation of the buildings. The advantage is that this way enables inspection and renovation of the thermal insulation strata as the building product, which includes air gaps and cavities and the adhesion layers in contact with the thermally insulated base. Furthermore, it is possible to use the air gap aiid/or the air cavity for inspection of the insulation system and possibly for the follow-up renovation and anchoring by implanting the adhesion anchors and adhesion targets. The inspection activity of the measurement and pressurization is realized in the air cavities and gaps, below the insulation strata, so that it is possible to detect the actual conditions directly in the risky current adhesion layer. It is possible to use the existing inputs, holes or gaps, below the insulation, or a hole is formed through the insulation strata. After the realization of the measurement, it is possible to perform the pressurization. All detectable values can be recorded. After the realized tasks, the hole can be blinded or used further on as a place of the repeated measurement and inspection, e.g. for input of disinfection of cavities and gaps, as a place for the implantation of adhesive targets below the insulation, as a place for forming the anchors with netting distance piece.

In the hole the measuring probe and/or steam nozzle performs the inspection and diagnostics for the required renovations or modifications of the building product by the identification of at least one actual value of the values, including air temperature, air humidity, air flow and holding force of the function of the adhesion layer. This inspection and diagnostics for the required renovations or modifications of the building product are performed randomly, occasionally, in pre-determined time intervals, or continually. Remote inspection and diagnostics can be performed, possibly with recording the data about the measurement. The measuring probe is also the inspection probe and it identifies the parameters in the air gap or cavity, which are crucial for each certified system. According to the detected values, it is established if the renovation is actually required and if yes, in what scope. The steam nozzle enables to detect the holding force of the adhesion layer.

It is advantageous when before implanting the expansion material, the hole is cleaned and then the expansion material is inserted for forming double-sided adhesion targets in the hole, forming the anchoring places in the air gaps or cavities. The expansion adhesion target ensures adhesion, not mechanical holding force between the insulation and the building structure.

Similarly it is advantageous when before implanting, at least of one expansion anchor, the hole and, at the same time, the anchor are cleaned, and then the hole with the inserted anchor is filled with foam to form the anchoring places in the air gaps and/or cavities between the insulation and the building structure for the purposes of renovations or modifications of the building element. The expansion anchor, i.e. for example the armouring anchoring element, which forms mechanical and chemical connections between the insulation and the building structure, with high holding force exceeding 450 N, even up to 1000 N.

It is also advantageous when before implanting the expansion material and/or before implanting at least one expansion anchor, the hole and, at the same time, the anchor is warmed up after cleaning. This warming up can be realized with various thermal sources, e.g. with water steam, hot air or hot water or with electrical contact.

It is also advantageous when before implanting the expansion material and/or before implanting at least one expansion anchor, the hole and, at the same time, the anchor are wetted, after cleaning and follow-up warming up, with pressurized steam with the temperature within the range of temperatures from 80 to 140 °C with pressure ranging from 1 to 5 bar. When using the pressurized steam, the anchoring place and the armouring anchor are warmed up at the same time, parts without cohesion and dust are removed and, at the same time, favourable conditions for expansion of the foam, e.g. PUR foam, are formed.

It is also possible to realize the implanting of the expansion material at low outdoor temperatures, at the temperatures below 15 °C up to the freezing point. Implanting the expansion material can be realized at common ambient temperatures around 20 °C and higher, but also thanks to the warming up, it can be performed even at low temperatures above the freezing point, which has not been possible till now.

To realize the way according to the invention, contact and contact-less thermal insulation systems in the building industry are used, pursuant to this invention, the nature of which consists in the fact that through the siding of the building structure, through the building insulation of the thermal insulation system, including e.g. the insulation boards, at least one hole was made with different angles with respect to the horizontal plane, one end of which was localized on the external surface of the thermally insulated structure and the second end has the outlet to the air gap and/or the closed air cavity and/or connected air cavities, formed between the insulation and the building structure. A measuring probe is inserted into the hole for the purpose of the measurement and inspection or, as the case may be, later on for the purpose of renovation and/or modifications, an expansion material is implanted into the hole, e.g. double-sided adhesion targets and/or an expansion anchor is implanted, which forms the adhesion anchoring places in the air gaps and/or air cavities between the building insulation and the building structure.

The building system pursuant to this invention as the building product is formed only after the installation on the thermally insulated wall. The implanted adhesion targets and/or anchors in the air gaps and/or air cavities avoid the movement of the insulation - insulating boards and, therefore, replace the original adhesion enclosure of the contact systems ETICS.

Description of the Drawings

The invention is explained in detailed in the exemplary designs illustrated in the enclosed schematic drawings, which represent the following :

Fig. 1 vertical cut through the certified contact thermal insulation system for the

purposes of the measurement of values of the adhesion layer,

Fig. 2 horizontal cut through the certified contact thermal insulation system for the purposes of the measurement of values of the adhesion layer,

Fig. 3 vertical cut through the uncertified contact thermal insulation system to

identify the conditions of the adhesion layer and its renovation,

Fig. 4 horizontal cut through the uncertified contact thermal insulation system to

Identify the conditions of the adhesion layer and its renovation, Fig. 5 vertical cut through the uncertified contact thermal insulation system to identify the conditions of the adhesion layer and the measurement,

Fig. 6 horizontal cut through the uncertified contact thermal insulation system to

Identify the conditions of the adhesion layer and the measurement,

Fig. 7 vertical cut through the certified contact-less thermal insulation system for the purpose of warming up the adhesion layer and

Fig. 8 horizontal cut through the certified contact-less thermal insulation system for the purpose of warming up the adhesion layer. Examples of Performance

Specific exemplary designs are illustrated in fig. 1 - 8. Contact and contact-less thermal insulation systems in the building industry represent a building product installed on the building structure. The building structure including brickwork 1, the building insulation like e.g. insulation boards 3, between which there are air gaps 2 and/or air cavities 6, with the adhesion layer including e.g. adhesion enclosures 4 and/or adhesion targets 8. Through the siding of the building structure, through the building insulation of the thermal insulation system, at least one hole 7 is made with different angles with respect to the horizontal plane. One of its ends is localized on the external surface of the thermally insulated structure and the second end has the outlet into the air gap 2 and/or enclosed air cavity 6 and/or connected air cavities 6, formed between the insulation and the building structure. A measuring probe 1.1 is inserted into the hole 7 for the purpose of the measurement and inspection or, as the case may be, later on for the purpose of renovation and/or modifications, an expansion material is implanted into the holes 7, e.g. double-sided adhesion targets 8 and/or the expansion anchoring element 9 is implanted, which forms the adhesion anchoring places in the air gaps 2 and/or air cavities 6 between the building insulation and the building structure.

Example 1

(Fig. 1 , 2)

The figure 1 and 2 illustrates the contact system, which is realized in the certified way by the installation on the adhesion enclosure 4 and adhesion targets 8, where enclosed air cavities 2 are formed between the wall 1 and the insulating material 3, it is detected by inserting the steam probe 10 into the measuring hole 7 and pressurization if the air cavities 6 are really closed within one insulation board 3. If yes, the pressurized steam returns back through the measuring hole 7. The measurement with the measuring probe 1 identifies the parameters in the cavity 6, so that e.g. the temperature corresponds to °C, air humidity to 80 % and air movement 5 to 0 m/sec.

Example 2

(Fig. 3, 4)

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrates the contact system ETICS with the adhesion targets 8 and interrupted adhesion enclosure 4, which mutually interconnects the air cavities 6 under individual insulation boards 3. Therewith unspecified air gaps 2 are formed, which enable movement 5 of air, and the adhesion enclosure 4 and the adhesion target 8 do not achieve e.g. 40 % of the surface of the insulation board 3, pursuant to the certificate ETICS. This condition is detected by the measurement measuring probe JM through measuring hole 7, where air movement features e.g. 0.2 m/sec, temperature 15 ^°C and air humidity 80 %. Steam pressure, e.g. 4 bar, is dispersed in the air gap 2. Implanting the expansion anchors 9 with the netting distance piece, which is not indicated, and PUR foam, creates new anchoring places, which replace the detected insufficiency of the adhesion surfaces, consisting of incomplete adhesion enclosure 4 and adhesion targets 8. Inlet of steam with the steam nozzle 10, through the measuring hole 7, wets and warms up the air gap 2 up to 30 °C. The detected conditions do not correspond to ETICS. Due to the interconnection of cavities 6_^ air flow and insufficient adhesion occur. Either an air cushion effect is formed by marking the contours of the dilatation layers or the adhesion layer with the dilapidated plaster peels off directly.

Furthermore, it is described how the restoration of the holding force of the released strata of the contact thermal insulation system ETICS is realized. By means of a suitable thrust fixture, the dished place is returned to the original plane. A hole 7 is drilled throughout the strata of the insulation boards 3 into the base. The expansion anchor 9 with the diameter of 14 mm is inserted. Steam nozzle 10 is inserted into the anchors 9 and warm-up is performed with pressure 2-5 bar and at the temperature up to 140°C for the period of approx. 5 seconds. After the removal of the nozzle 10 the anchor 9 is filled with winter PUR foam. During the installation, the outdoor temperature is 0 °C. Steam enters the air cavity 2 under the insulating material and warms up conductive materials and air in the vicinity of the distance pieces to over 20 - 30°C. It enables quickening of the foam expansion from 20 to 10 min. At the same time, it results in supply of humidity by steam condensation that is required for the expansion. By the expansion of the PUR foam, cooling of the layers under the insulation board 3 is slowed down. After hardening of the foam, the insulation layer is fixed in the required position with high adhesion and anchoring effect of at least 450 N per one piece of the expansion anchor 9 with preserving the required diffusion air gap 2. Example 3

( Fig. 5, 6)

Figure 5 and 6 illustrates the contact system, where a failure to comply with the certification ETICS by bonding only on the adhesion targets 8. Therefore, it does not result in the creation of enclosed air cavities 6 but open air gap 2, which fully enables the movement 5 of air in the gap 2. Pressurized steam is dispersed in the gap 2 and it is not returned back through the inlet hole. Together with the measuring probe 11. it demonstrates the insufficiency of cohesion of the insulation board 3 with the wall 1. This condition points out to the necessity of renovation with the use of anchoring with an expansion anchor 9.

Example 4

( Fig. 7, 8)

Figure 7 and 8 illustrates the design of the certified contact-less system, where the insulation boards 3 are attached to the wall 1 by means of adhesion targets 8, which fix the insulation board 3 till the period of anchoring with the expansion anchor 9. Afterwards, the adhesion targets 8 loose their importance. The load is transferred into the wall 1 through the formed expansion anchors 9. With respect to low outdoor temperatures, e.g. around 0 °C, the air gap 2 is warmed up before filling the expansion anchors 9 with foam by means of the steam nozzle 10 through the hole 7 and components under the insulation board 3 with the use of steam from the steam nozzle 10 through the hole 7 to the temperature of 20 °C. It speeds up the expansion of the PUR foam of the expansion anchor 9 by 50 % in comparison with the expansion of the PUR foam in normal climatic conditions. More details concerning the application of the new solution pursuant to this invention:

At first it is possible to detect, in case of the building thermally insulated structures, if the contact insulations are performed pursuant to the certification ETICS, i.e. if it actually concerns the contact thermal insulation system.

In case of identification of the defects in the anchoring and adhesion layer, it is possible to implant the new anchor 9 with the expanding filling, which result in the completion of the missing original adhesion layer, which should consists of the adhesion enclosure 4 and adhesion targets 8 on the surface of 40 % of the insulating material. The completion of this adhesion layer is realized by warming up and wetting the anchoring place to speed up the expansion even at low outdoor temperatures. It increases the cohesion of the insulating material in the anchoring place. By the impact of steam while warming up the anchoring places, the local contamination by fungal and algal spores is limited at the same time. It also results in the liquidation or considerable limitation of crystal salt formed in the air gap 2 and air cavity 6 in the surface of the building structure.

If it is detected that the thermal insulation is realized with the contact-less technology, it is only necessary to inspect the conditions and function of the air gap 2, or, as the case may be, remove the parts without cohesion, e.g. rubble, which are formed from the dilapidated building surfaces below the insulation.

In case of thermal insulation systems, preventively it is suitable to perform both random and periodical inspections of the adhesion layer under the insulating material with the objective of timely identification of the renovation measure if it is required by the conditions of the insulating strata.

The required renovation is performed in the layer with the highest risk, which is the adhesion layer in the air gap 2 behind the insulating material. The air gap 2 is the space between the insulating material and the building structure and it has an important function with respect to the optimization of the diffusion resistance of the thermally insulated building structure.

For the initial basic inspection, it is enough to drill a hole 7 for inspection through the insulation strata consisting of e.g. the facade layer, insulation board 3, air gap 2, adhesion layer, i.e. e.g. the adhesion enclosure 4 or adhesion targets 8, and then perform the measurement for the purpose of identification of the diagnostics of the conditions of the insulating strata and its holding force to the base, i.e. e.g. the wall 1 It is possible e.g. to drill a hole 7, approximately 12-14 mm, for the measuring probe JM or steam nozzle 10, which enable ensuring the required parameters under the insulation boards 3. These parameters mean the temperature, humidity and speed of flow and movement 5 of air in the air gap 2 or in the air cavity 6, and holding force of the adhesion layer. The air temperature depends on the construction of the building, selected type of the insulating strata, climatic conditions in the place of the construction or, as the case may be, the interior.

For ^' example in case of the family house with the contact-less thermal insulation, the following values were measured: outdoor air temperature 21 °C, temperature in the air gap 2 between brickwork 1 and the insulation board 3 was 23 °C in the hole 7 located 0.5 m above the foundation of the building, and 22 °C at the height of 1.5 m above the foundation of the building, and 22.5 °C at the height of 3 m above the foundation of the building. Air humidity in the air gap 7 above the foundation of the building 0.5 m was measured to be 29 %, at the height of 1.5 m above the foundation of the building humidity was 28 %, and at the height of 3 m above the foundation of the building humidity was approx. 26 %. Air humidity depends on how much humidity was enclosed there during the installation. Other increasing or decreasing of humidity is influenced by the conditions of the building structure and the impact of the applied type of the thermal insulation system and its quality. Humidity can increase by up to 90 %. These findings prove the correct and irreplaceable function of the air gap 2 with respect to diffusion and penetration of humidity through the building structure for healthy housing.

Air flow in the air gap 2 influences humidity and evaporation of humidity from the side layers of the air gap 2. In well functioning thermal insulation systems, the intensity of air flow in the gap 2 is regulated pursuant to the requirements for the required parameters for the optimum physical properties of the building. In some cases, the air flow need not be intensive at all unless it is required by the physical properties of the buildings, diffusion, wetting, thermal gradient, thermally insulating ability and hydro-insulation ability of the building.

By suction of air from the hole 7_ possible contamination is detected, which means the concentration of harmful gases or mechanical particles or, as the case may be, undesired fungal and algal spores can be detected. However, the values are assessed by hygienic experts. The hole 7 for renovation is made in the places of detected defects for the implantation of the anchoring system and/or adhesion targets 8. The renovation hole 7 should not go through the original adhesion layer. If the hole 7 goes through the adhesion layer, it would not enable creating a fully functional expansion anchor 9.

If the hole 7 is treated with steam from the steam nozzle 10, from which condensate is removed in advance, the anchoring place is prepared to be filled with foam.

Steam surge with the pressure of at least 3-4 bar, at the temperature of 105 - 140 °C, will fill the air cavity 6 of the contact systems under the insulating material and is returned back around the steam nozzle 10. It will prove that there is really an enclosed air cavity 6 behind the insulating material as it is set out by the certification of the contact systems ETICS. Peripheral bonding pursuant to the certification does not let steam penetrate under the surrounding insulating materials. If the gap 2 behind the insulating material is not pressurized and steam is not returned, the steam pressure is increased to 4 bar. When steam is not returned after this pressure either, it is obvious that the certified procedures were not complied with and an unspecified air gap 2 was formed under the insulating material. The adhesion layer is probably insufficient and steam penetrates through it to the adjacent gaps. It means that there is a possibility of unexpected reduction of the insulation function and the risk of destruction of the system.

If steam under the insulating material escapes to the adjacent gaps and cavities, it is necessary to take a measure that will identify the layout of joints of the insulating materials under the plaster, and side illumination creates shades in the places of both horizontal and vertical joints, or by the attachment of a straight batten; in the places of joints, gaps are formed between the batten and the plaster. By the measurement from the plinth according to the multiples of the width of the used insulation boards, the joint can be identified. The places without cohesion can be detected by knocking pursuant to hollow noise. In terms of the contact thermal insulation system ETICS, when using the insulating material from foam polystyrene, the normative of tensile strength, vertically to the plane of the insulating material, is established to be 100 kPa, which is a value that virtually cannot be achieved. The steam test is performed for about 5 - 10 sec.

In case of contact and contact-less thermal insulation systems, either anchoring systems and/or adhesion targets 8 are implanted as required. The anchoring system can be represented e.g. by a netting distance piece, metal screw, etc. The adhesion targets 8 from PUR foam can be implanted with anchoring elements and without them. By means of the thrust fixture, which is not illustrated, it is possible to balance out the uneven face surface of the insulating material to the original position. The implanted expansion anchors 8 foamed with the expanding plastic material do not form any undesired thermal bridges, and the bonding targets 8 formed in the air gap 2 simultaneously support the edges of all adjacent insulation boards 3, by which their bending is avoided.

Therefore, it will result in the fixation of the whole insulation strata and renovation of the base by the restoration of the holding force in the places of anchoring. In case of defects of a smaller size, only bonding adhesion targets 8 can be implanted without distance pieces or expansion anchors 9.

The anchoring systems are installed through the renovation holes 7 through the insulating material or they can go through the adhesion layer and/or through the air gap 2 and enter into the building structure.

It is desirable that all renovation holes 7 are treated with steam, cleansed from free particles, wetted and warmed up in advance.

The inspection and renovation are finished by cementing the hole 7 and colour unification of the facade. If the facade has been impaired already before the renovation, it is suitable to perform colour unification treatment of the whole surface.

If leakage of the air cavity 6 is detected, it is possible to locally treat the base under the insulating material preventively by increasing the pressure for a short term up to over 4 bar. It results in the removal of cohesion-less parts, salt crusts etc. The quantity of the inspection holes 7 is selected pursuant to the conditions and the holding force of the insulating strata. Parts without cohesion, unless they fall through between the adhesion targets 8 and the enclosure 4^ remain under the insulating material permanently; they have no fundamental impact on the function.

The place of anchoring is warmed up locally so that the temperature corresponds to the requirements of good connection. In case of the anchoring of the thermally insulating layer, the temperature in the place of anchoring is maintained for up to several minutes, which tends to be sufficient for the actual mechanical or chemical anchoring process. The method of warming up can be different pursuant to the type of anchoring and the type of the anchoring components. For warming up, it is possible to use an external thermal source, contact or contact-less, wet or dry. In case of sufficient thermal conductivity of the components of the thermal insulation system and their accumulation, pre-heating is also proposed before they are inserted into the place of anchoring. In the places where chemical processes, which require humidity, take place during anchoring, it is favourable to use steam or hot water. Contact-less warming up with hot air or steam also warms up the surrounding of the anchoring place under the insulating material. The insulation layer prevents from quick cooling and maintains the temperature above the level of the ambient temperature.

In case of the netting distance pieces, in case of application of steam as the thermal source, warming up concerns not only the place of anchoring but also a wider surrounding including the air gap 2. In addition to warming up, steam can also disinfect the space behind the insulating material and wet the place for anchoring. It creates suitable conditions for expansion and adhesion of the PUR foam. During the expansion, by closing the anchoring place, increased temperature remains under the insulation layer for a much longer period than in case of the common way of anchoring. This method enables to speed up the task of anchoring by up to 50% and decrease the consumption of PUR foam by up to 30%.

Industrial applicability

The solution is suitable for both contact and contact-less systems of thermal insulation systems in the building industry.

Legend

I brickwork

2 air gap.

3 insulation board

4 adhesion enclosure

5 movement 5 of air

6 air cavity

7 hole

8 adhesion target

9 anchor

10 steam nozzle

I I probe

Claims

C L A I M S

1. The system for inspection and/or renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems in the building industry, where thermal insulation systems, contact or contact-less, represent a building product installed on the building structure, and air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) are situated between the building structure and the building insulation, at least one measuring probe (11) is arranged in the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) for inspection, measurement and diagnostics of thermal insulation systems, and/or at least one steam nozzle (10) for renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems, characterized in that each measuring probe (11) and/or steam nozzle (10) is placed in the hole (7) made from the external siding of the building structure, with different angles with respect to the horizontal plane, and with outlet into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) between the building structure and the building insulation of thermal insulation systems of buildings.

2. The system according to claim 1 , characterized in that

for the purpose of renovation and/or modifications of the thermal insulation system in the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6), material is implanted for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation and/or at least one anchoring element between the building structure and the building insulation.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that

the material for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation is the expansion material forming the adhesion targets (8).

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that

the anchoring element is the expansion anchor (9) made of distance pieces and expansion material.

5. The method of inspection and/or renovation and/or modifications in the thermal insulation systems in the building industry, where contact or contact-less thermal insulation systems represent a building product installed on the building structure, and air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) are situated between the building structure and the building insulation, at least one measuring probe (11 ) is inserted into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) for inspection, measurement and diagnostics of thermal insulation systems, and/or at least one steam nozzle (10) for renovation and/or modification of thermal insulation systems, characterized in that

the material is implanted into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) between the building structure and the building insulation in the building thermal insulation systems for the formation of the adhesion layer between the building structure and the building insulation and/or at least one anchoring element between the building structure and the building insulation.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

to insert the measuring probe (11 ) and/or steam nozzle (10) into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) between the building structure and the building insulation, at least one hole (7) is made from the external siding of the building structure, with different angles with respect to the horizontal plane, £nd with outlet into the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6).

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

the adhesion layer is formed with the use of an expansion material, which forms adhesion targets between the building structure and the building insulation (8).

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

the anchoring element is formed from distance pieces by filling the expansion material into the expansion anchors (9) arranged between the building structure and the building insulation.

9. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

in the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) between the building structure and the building insulation, inspection and diagnostics are realized with the measuring probe (1 1) and/or steam nozzle (10) for the required renovations and/or modifications of the thermal insulation system by the identification of at least one actual value of the values, including air temperature, air humidity, air flow and holding force of the adhesion layer.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

in the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) between the building structure and the building insulation, the measuring probe (11) and/or steam nozzle (10) perform the measurement, inspection and diagnostics for the required renovations or modifications of the thermal insulation system randomly, occasionally, in pre- determined time intervals or continually.

11. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

in the air gaps (2) and/or air cavities (6) between the building structure and the building insulation, remote measurement, inspection and diagnostics are performed, possibly with recording the data about the measurement.

12. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

before implanting the material for the formation of the adhesion layer, the hole (7) is cleaned and then the expansion material is inserted for forming double-sided adhesion targets (8) in the hole (7), forming the anchoring places in the air gaps (2) or cavities (6).

13. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that

before implanting at least one anchoring element, the hole (7) and possibly even the anchoring element are cleaned at the same time, and then the hole (7) with inserted anchoring element is filled with foam to form the anchoring places in the air gaps (2) and/or cavities (6) between the insulation and the building structure for the purposes of renovations or modifications of the thermal insulation system.

14. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that

before implanting the expansion material and/or before implanting at least one anchoring element, the hole (7) and, at the same time, possibly even the anchoring element are warmed up after being cleaned.

15. The method according to claim 11 , characterized in that

before implanting the expansion material and/or before implanting at least one anchoring element, the hole (7) and, at the same time, possibly even the anchoring element are wetted, after being cleaned and then warmed up, with pressurized steam with the temperature within the range of temperatures from 80 to 140 °C with pressure ranging from 1 to 5 bar.

16. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that

implanting the expansion material is realized at low outdoor temperatures, at least from the freezing point, within the range from 0 to 5 °C.