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| Wacker inaugurates EIFS test facility in Moscow During a customer symposium, Germany’s WACKER Group officially inaugurated a test wall for exterior insulation and finish systems at its technical center in Moscow. The new facility will test exterior insulation systems under a wide variety of climatic conditions. With this move, the Munich-based chemical group is responding to soaring construction-sector demand in Russia and the CIS. Its main goal is to optimize local customer support and promote internationally recognized quality standards for construction in the region. The specially designed concrete wall subjects exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) to the toughest of climatic conditions. Aging and weathering processes are accelerated so that a material’s stability and effectiveness can be analyzed. A special climate chamber simulates widely diverse conditions ranging from tropical humidity to rain and permafrost. The chamber is adaptable, and ideal for tests that comply with the guidelines of the European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA). During a month-long test phase, the wall is subjected to 80 hygrothermal and five frost cycles, with temperatures ranging from minus 20 to plus 70 °C. The test conditions also comprise variable air humidity and water-spray exposure, and culminate in a detailed inspection. Importantly, the test can be tailored to Russian weather conditions, for example, simulating prolonged permafrost exposure. The new test facility reflects WACKER’s commitment to Russia and the CIS region, where the EIFS and redispersible-powder markets are booming. Exterior insulation is increasingly important there due to rising energy costs and the climate. The better a building is insulated, the less energy is needed for heating and air conditioning. Energy costs can be cut by as much as 60 percent. Produced by WACKER, VINNAPAS® redispersible powders ensure that the EIFS insulating material is securely bonded to the adhesive and embedding mortar, as well as to the finish coat. As a result, the insulating system offers greater durability and much more resistance to weathering and wear and tear than its unmodified counterparts. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Construction News :: home page |