Building materials are exposed to heat, cold, rain and moisture every day. Over the lifetime of a building, repeated exposure to these conditions can lead to cracking, water ingress and a gradual decline in performance.
The durability of a wall therefore depends not only on the strength of its materials, but also on its ability to maintain its integrity and performance through repeated changes in climatic conditions.
To assess this performance, a full-scale wall built with ECOblocos underwent accelerated ageing tests carried out by Itecons as part of the European BGREENER project, supported by the European Commission.
Tested under extreme climatic conditions
Over approximately one month, an 8 m² wall built with ECObloco25 was subjected to 80 heat–rain cycles and five freeze–thaw cycles, with temperatures ranging from −20°C to 70°C.
The system was also exposed to simulated solar-radiation cycles, combining an intensity of 1,100 W/m² with temperatures ranging from −20°C to 35°C.
This series of tests assessed the wall’s response to some of the conditions that contribute most significantly to the ageing of building systems: extreme heat and cold, water exposure, freezing conditions, temperature fluctuations and solar radiation.
Thermal performance without degradation
Throughout the tests, temperatures were monitored across the wall’s different layers, and its thermal transmittance was assessed before and after the ageing cycles.
Despite a temperature difference of 90°C being applied to the external surface, the variation recorded on the internal surface remained below 3°C.
The results also showed no deterioration in the wall’s thermal performance after testing, confirming the system’s ability to retain its properties under severe climatic conditions.
Integrity preserved
After the hygrothermal cycles, the wall showed no cracking, blistering, delamination, detachment or any other defects in the building system.
No water ingress was detected. When the wall was dismantled, the ECOblocos were found to be free from moisture, confirming that the system had maintained its integrity even after repeated exposure to rain and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Based on the criteria set out in EN 16383:2016, the system was deemed suitable in terms of its resistance to hygrothermal cycles.
Looking for a building solution designed to last?
Durability begins with the choice of materials. With their performance validated through independent testing, ECOblocos help create walls capable of withstanding demanding climatic conditions without compromising their integrity or thermal performance.
Contact our team for technical support, documentation and guidance tailored to your project.
Please wait