MINERAL WOOL INSULATION SYSTEM

Abstract

An ETICS insulation board features multiple plastic plate anchors embedded within the board. These anchors have two wing-like protrusions that enhance the shear strength of the ETICS insulation board. Mechanical fasteners, also located within the plate anchors, securely fasten the ETICS insulation board to the building structure.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an insulation system (and parts thereof), insulation panels and a method for attaching insulation panels, in particular ETICS insulation panels (“External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems”), to a supporting structure of a building.

[0002] An external, thermally insulating layer is often provided on the exterior wall of a building, particularly a facade, by ETICS insulation panels. The ETICS insulation panels are attached to a supporting structure of the building, generally using an adhesive and screws that provide a mechanical fastener or fixing. When mechanical fasteners are used, a typical installation procedure includes, sequentially: i) Attaching each ETICS insulation panel to a supporting structure of the building to be insulated (e.g.,ii) an exterior wall of the building) using an adhesive (typically a hydraulic adhesive), iii) allowing the adhesive to dry (which typically requires a number of hours), iii) drilling a plurality of boreholes through each ETICS insulation panel and into the supporting structure of the building behind the ETICS insulation panel, iv) inserting a combined wall anchor and panel anchor into each borehole within the ETICS insulation panel, and v) screwing a respective mechanical fastener (typically a screw) through each panel anchor and into the corresponding wall anchor in the supporting structure of the building.

[0003] Although this arrangement allows for the secure attachment of ETICS insulation panels to the building structure, it has several disadvantages. For example, if the ETICS insulation panels are made of a foam, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), the foam's friability during cutting (e.g., to adapt to a non-standard dimension) or drilling can lead to foam breakage. If the ETICS insulation panels are mineral wool panels, the panel anchors, and especially their anchor heads, can compress the mineral wool fibers more than desired during installation, causing deformation and preventing uniform density. This can affect the thermal insulation distribution and lead to an uneven visual appearance of the system, particularly after aging.Furthermore, the installation steps are labor-intensive and time-consuming and depend on the installer to drill the holes in the desired positions (whereby the desired position of the holes is often a function of a particular structure and / or a particular type of ETICS insulation board).

[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide an ETICS system that is easier and less time-consuming to install, reduces variations during installation, and facilitates compliance with system and installation standards.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a method for attaching an ETICS insulation panel to a supporting structure of a building, as defined in claim 1. Additional aspects of the invention are defined in independent claims. The dependent claims define preferred and / or alternative embodiments.

[0006] The supporting structure of the building, to which the insulation panel is anchored, can be concrete, solid masonry, perforated masonry, lightweight concrete with a dense matrix structure (LC), lightweight aggregate concrete with an open-pore structure (LAC), or aerated concrete; particularly in these cases, the mechanical fastener preferably consists of a screw and a wall anchor combined. In this case, the tip of the screw is secured in the supporting structure via the wall anchor (i.e., generally a plastic material used to improve the screw's penetration into the supporting structure material).

[0007] The supporting structure can be wood, a wooden frame, steel, or a steel frame; particularly in these cases, the mechanical fastening element can preferably consist of a screw, the screw being selected according to its ability to attach to the material and shape of the supporting structure. In this case, a tip of the screw will directly fasten the supporting structure.

[0008] The insulating panel is an insulating panel for "External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems" (ETICS), also known as an ETICS insulating panel, which is made from a thermal insulation material.

[0009] The thermal insulation material is preferably mineral wool. Increased shear strength and a reduction in the number of mechanical fasteners required are particularly advantageous when using mineral wool ETICS insulation panels. Consequently, the thermal insulation material of the ETICS insulation panel can comprise or consist essentially of mineral wool, in particular rock wool (also known as stone wool). The mineral wool preferably has a density of at least 80 kg / m³. 3 , at least 100 kg / m² 3 or at least 120 kg / m² 3 This provides a combination of good thermal and mechanical properties. The mineral wool can have a density of no more than 220 kg / m³. 3 or not more than 200 kg / m² 3 exhibit; it preferably has a density of no more than 180 kg / m³ 3 on.

[0010] Alternatively, the insulating material can comprise or consist essentially of a polymer foam. In this case, compensation for the friability of the polymer foam is particularly useful.

[0011] The insulation material may include or consist substantially of expanded polystyrene (EPS). The EPS may have a density of at least 15 kg / m³. 3 or at least 20 kg / m² 3 exhibiting a density of no more than 50 kg / m³ 3 or not more than 40 kg / m² 3 exhibit.

[0012] The insulation material may include or consist substantially of extruded polystyrene (XPS). The XPS may have a density of at least 20 kg / m³. 3 or at least 25 kg / m² 3 exhibiting a density of no more than 65 kg / m³ 3 or not more than 60 kg / m² 3 exhibit.

[0013] The insulating material may include or consist substantially of polyurethane foam (PU). The PU may have a density of at least 20 kg / m³. 3 or at least 25 kg / m² 3 exhibit a density of no more than 80 kg / m³ 3 or of no more than 50 kg / m² 3 or not more than 45 kg / m² 3 exhibit.

[0014] The insulating material may include or consist substantially of polyisocyanurate (PIR). The PIR may have a density of at least 20 kg / m³. 3 or at least 25 kg / m² 3 exhibiting a density of no more than 80 kg / m³ 3 or of no more than 65 kg / m² 3 or not more than 60 kg / m² 3 exhibit.

[0015] As used here, the expression "consists essentially of" is intended to limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those which do not substantially impair the basic and novel feature(s) of the claimed invention.

[0016] The ETICS insulation panels are preferably thermal insulation panels with a lambda value (λ) of: ≤ 50 mW / m · K, ≤ 45 mW / m · K or ≤ 40 mW / m · K, more preferably a lambda value (λ) of ≤ 36 mW / m · K. In particular, if the insulation panel is a mineral wool panel, the lambda value (λ) can be ≤ 40 mW / m · K, preferably ≤ 37 mW / m · K, more preferably ≤ 36 mW / m · K. In particular, if the insulation panel is a foam panel, the lambda value (λ) can be ≤ 35 mW / m · K or ≤ 30 mW / m · K.

[0017] The lambda value (λ) mentioned here refers to the thermal conductivity, which is measured at 10 °C according to EN 13162.

[0018] The compressive strength of the ETICS insulation board can be at least 20 kPa, preferably at least 30 kPa.

[0019] The thickness of the ETICS insulation board can be at least 40 mm, preferably at least 50 mm; it can be no more than 400 mm, preferably no more than 300 mm.

[0020] ETICS insulation panels generally have a width (wp) of 120 cm and a height (hp) of 60 cm. The width can range from 100 to 150 cm and the height from 40 to 80 cm.

[0021] The plate anchor is preferably made of a plastic material, in particular a molded plastic. The plastic material of the plate anchor can be selected from the group consisting of a polyamide (PA), a polyacrylamide (PAA), a polyphthalamide (PPA), a polyethylene (PE), a polypropylene (PP), and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0022] The mechanical fastener is preferably a robust, commercially available, multi-purpose fastener, as opposed to a custom-designed one. This simplifies logistics and ensures compatibility. Once the ETICS insulation panel has been attached to the building's supporting structure using the mechanical fastener, the fastener preferably projects 10 mm to 100 mm into the structure. Consequently, the length of the fastener is selected to provide a suitable projection length as a function of the ETICS insulation panel's thickness.

[0023] If the mechanical fastener includes a wall anchor, the wall anchor preferably measures at least 50 mm, at least 70 mm, at least 100 mm and / or less than 400 mm, less than 300 mm or less than 200 mm. The wall anchor preferably has a length that is substantially identical to the length of the corresponding screw.

[0024] The plate anchor preferably comprises a plate anchor head that engages a stop surface of the ETICS insulation board in such a way that relative movement in one direction between the plate anchor and the insulation board is blocked. The stop surface of the ETICS insulation board is preferably located below the first main surface of the ETICS insulation board, for example, in a countersunk section of a plate bore. In this case, the head of the plate anchor is preferably completely enclosed in the plate bore without protruding beyond the first main surface of the ETICS insulation board. The bore can then be plugged, in particular, with an insulating material to reduce the risk of hot or cold spots on the surface of the ETICS insulation board and / or to provide a flush surface to facilitate the application of plaster mortar.Alternatively, the stop surface of the ETICS insulation board can be arranged on the first main surface of the ETICS insulation board; in this case, a suitable thickness of plaster mortar is preferably applied to the first main surface to conceal the presence of the underlying board anchor head.

[0025] When the plaster mortar is applied to cover the entire first main surface of each ETICS insulation board, after the ETICS insulation board has been attached to the supporting structure of the building using the mechanical fasteners, it forms an outer layer applied to the first main surface of each ETICS insulation board.

[0026] Alternatively, the outer layer can be attached to the first main surface of the ETICS insulation board, particularly by means of an adhesive, before it is attached to a building structure, so that the ETICS insulation board and the outer layer form a pre-assembled panel ready for fastening (i.e., the outer layer is present before the ETICS insulation board is fastened to the supporting structure of the building). In this case, openings are preferably provided in the outer layer to allow access to the mechanical fasteners, and these openings are intended to be filled once the ETICS insulation board has been fastened by the mechanical fasteners.For example, the outer layer can be provided on the first main surface of the ETICS insulation board by a layer of facing bricks, tiles, or bricks, in particular a layer of facing bricks, tiles, or bricks with a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, and in particular a thickness in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. Alternatively, such an outer layer can be applied to the ETICS insulation board after the ETICS insulation board has been fastened to the supporting structure of the building using mechanical fasteners.

[0027] The method further comprises providing plate bores in the ETICS insulating plate, in particular by machining the insulating material of the ETICS insulating plate and removing a portion of the insulating material, wherein each plate bore is adapted to obtain and receive a respective plate anchor.

[0028] The plate anchor comprises at least two wing-like anchor protrusions, each extending axially along the anchor tube. Each wing-like anchor protrusion is an integral part of the plate anchor; that is, each is securely connected to the other parts of the plate anchor, in particular by being formed together within the remainder of the plate anchor. In use, each wing-like protrusion preferably projects from the anchor tube into the insulating material of the ETICS insulating panel, thus providing support surfaces that are part of the plate anchor and against which the weight of the ETICS insulating panel acts. This increases the shear resistance caused by the weight of the ETICS insulating panel against the plate anchor. Each wing-like protrusion is preferably accommodated in a pre-formed slot provided in the insulating material of the ETICS insulating panel.The wing-like protrusions are preferably arranged so that they are horizontal when the ETICS panel is attached to the supporting structure of a building, as this helps to maximize their benefit. However, any suitable orientation that allows them to perform their function, for example within ±30° to the horizontal, can be used. The arrangement can be such that... - one of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a first protrusion direction, - a second of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outward from the anchor tube in a second protrusion direction, and the angle between the first protrusion direction and the second protrusion, measured around the plate anchor axis, lies in the range of 90° to 270°, preferably in the range of 120° to 240°, more preferably in the range of 170° to 190°. This provides a suitable relative orientation that allows the wing-like protrusions to perform their function.

[0029] Preferably, the plate anchor has two and only two wing-like protrusions.

[0030] Each of the wing-like protrusions can project radially outward from the anchor tube by a distance of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm; each of the wing-like protrusions can extend axially along the anchor tube by a distance of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, and more preferably at least 40 mm. This helps to provide a suitable surface area for the wing-like protrusions.

[0031] The plate anchor head can have an outer diameter of at least 20 mm, preferably in the range of 50 mm to 120 mm; this provides the plate anchor head with a suitable cross-section for pressing against the ETICS insulation panel, in particular against a stop surface of the ETICS insulation panel, so that the ETICS insulation panel is held in place against the building structure.

[0032] The anchor tube can have a length of at least 50 mm, preferably in the range of 50 mm to 150 mm. This ensures suitable contact between the plate anchor and the insulating material of the ETICS insulating panel, which also facilitates assembly.

[0033] A distance between the head fixing stop and the anchor tip is preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, in particular at least 15 mm, which facilitates a stable mechanical interaction between the plate anchor and the mechanical fastening element.

[0034] The head fixing stop is designed to allow the shaft of the mechanical fastener to move into the through-hole leading to the exit end of the plate anchor and to prevent further advancement of the fastener by blocking its head against the head fixing stop. The head fixing stop allows the mechanical fastener to be withdrawn from the plate anchor. This design is advantageous because it facilitates the removal of the mechanical fastener and prevents it from becoming stuck inside the plate anchor once it is in its holding position.

[0035] The head fixing stop can be provided by a shoulder within the inner anchor bore and can be provided, for example, by a section of the inner anchor bore located between the head fixing stop and the tip of the plate anchor, with a diameter smaller than a section of the inner anchor bore located between the head fixing stop and the plate anchor head.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of ETICS insulation panels, which provide insulation for an external wall of a building structure; Fig. 2 is a top view of a plate anchor; Fig. 3 a side view of the plate anchor; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view through the plate anchor; Fig. 5 is a rear view of the plate anchor in the 5-5 direction; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view through part of an ETICS insulating panel; Fig. 7 is a front view of part of an ETICS insulation panel; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view through part of an attached ETICS insulation panel; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view through part of an attached ETICS insulating panel; and Fig. 10 is a side view of a mechanical fastener.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a portion of the exterior surface of an exterior wall of a building insulated by a first ETICS insulation panel 10 and a plurality of additional, adjacent ETICS insulation panels 11. Each ETICS insulation panel 10, 11 is rectangular, has a width wp of 120 cm, a height hp of 40 cm, and a thickness tp of 120 mm, and consists essentially of a substantially rigid layer of rock wool with a density of approximately 90 kg / m³. 3 . Each of the ETICS insulation panels is attached to a supporting structure 13 of the building by a layer of cement or mortar 14 and by four mechanical fasteners, one in each corner section of the panel 10, 11, the position 15 of each mechanical fastener being schematically shown in the Fig. 1 is indicated.

[0038] Each mechanical fastening element includes a plate anchor 20 (see the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), which is in the mineral wool 16 (in the Fig. (8 shown) is attached to the ETICS insulating panel. Each panel anchor comprises: An elongated anchor tube 21 extending along a panel anchor axis 22, the anchor tube 21 having a length It of 65 mm and surrounding an inner anchor bore 23, the anchor bore 23 extending from an anchor head 24 (outer diameter OD 60 mm) at one end of the anchor tube 21 to an anchor tip 25 at the other end of the anchor tube 25. Each of two wing-like protrusions 31, 32 extends in an axial direction a along the anchor tube by a distance Iw of 35 mm from the anchor head 24 to the anchor tip 25, projecting radially (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the panel anchor axis 22) outwards from the anchor tube 21 by a distance hw of 20 mm over this distance; Each wing-like projection 31, 32 then tapers towards the anchor tube 21, with the anchor tube 21 being connected at the anchor tip 25. This represents a taper ora cone 34 is provided, such that the distance by which each wing-like protrusion projects radially to the anchor tip 25 is reduced, thereby facilitating the insertion of the plate anchor 20 into its ETICS insulating plate. A first of the wing-like protrusions 31 projects radially outward from the anchor tube in a first protrusion direction P1, and the second of the wing-like protrusions 32 projects radially outward from the anchor tube in a second protrusion direction P2, wherein an angle α between the first protrusion direction P1 and the second protrusion direction, measured about the plate anchor axis 22, is 180°.

[0039] A head fixing stop 33 is also provided along the length of the anchor bore 23 partially between the anchor head 24 and the anchor tip 25.

[0040] The Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a corner section of the ETICS insulating panel 10, which is provided with a panel bore 61 into which the panel anchor 20 is inserted. The panel bore 61 has i) an outer panel bore 62, which extends perpendicularly from a first main surface 17 of the insulating panel 10 for 20 mm into the insulating panel 10 to the second main surface 18 of the insulating panel to a stop surface 64 of the insulating panel, and ii) a coaxial inner panel bore 61, which extends from the stop surface 64 partially to the second main surface 18 of the insulating panel. As shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, each plate anchor 20 is inserted into a respective plate bore 61 such that a) the anchor head 24 is received in the outer plate bore 61, with a bottom surface 26 of the anchor head 24 bearing against the stop surface 64, b) the anchor tube 21 is received in the inner plate bore 63, and c) each wing-like projection 31, 32 is received in a wing slot 65, 66 provided in the mineral wool 16 of the ETICS insulation panel 10 and extending at least partially along the axial length of the inner plate bore 63 from the stop surface 64. Each wing slot 65, 66 can be formed by removing material from the ETICS insulation panel, for example by milling.Alternatively, each of the wing slots 65,66 can be provided by cutting into the ETICS insulating board to provide a slot into which the wing-like protrusions 31,32 can be pressed or press-fitted.

[0041] Preferably, the ETICS insulation panels are delivered to a construction site where they are used, with each panel anchor 20 already inserted into its respective panel bore 61. Each ETICS insulation panel 10, 11 is first attached to a supporting structure 13 of a building surface, for example, a concrete exterior wall forming a facade of the building, by applying a layer of mortar 14 to the second main surface 18 of the ETICS insulation panel 10, 11 and lightly pressing the panel 10, 11 against the supporting structure 13 so that the layer of mortar 14 holds it in place. Generally, an installer will begin by attaching a lower horizontal grouping of ETICS insulation panels 10, 11 to the support structure and gradually attach additional horizontal groupings of ETICS insulation panels 10, 11 above these, i.e., a further arrangement of ETICS insulation panels 10, 11 starting at the base of the support structure and working upwards.

[0042] Once the ETICS insulation panels 10, 11 are attached to the building structure 13 with the mortar 14, in the case where drilling is required in the supporting structure to correctly accommodate a screw providing a mechanical fastening element, the installer inserts a suitable drill bit successively through a section of the panel bore 61 between the first main surface 17 of the insulation panel and into and through the inner anchor bore 23, and then drills through a section of the mineral wool 16 to the second main surface 18 of the insulation panel, through the layer of mortar 14 and into the building structure 13, so that a wall bore 91 is provided in the building structure 13.

[0043] Once the drill bit has been removed, a tip 101 of a pre-assembled mechanical fastener 100 (in the Fig. 10 shown) successively through a section of the plate bore 61 between the first main surface 17 of the insulating plate, into and through the inner anchor bore 23 at the anchor head 24, into and through the inner anchor bore 23 at the anchor tube 21, through the bore that has been drilled through the mineral wool 16 and the mortar 14, and into the wall bore 91. The pre-assembled mechanical fastening element 100 shown comprises a metal screw 102 arranged inside a plastic wall anchor 106, the screw 102 having a screw rod or shaft 103 with a screw head 104 at one end of the screw rod 103 and a screw tip 105 at the other end of the screw rod, and the wall anchor 106 having a wall anchor rod 107 with a wall anchor head 108 at one end of the wall anchor rod 107 and a wall anchor tip 109 (which forms the tip 101 of the mechanical fastening device) at the other end of the wall anchor rod 107.The wall anchor tip 109 is inserted into the wall bore 91 and the screw 104 is then screwed further into the wall anchor 106 with a screwdriver in order to i) attach the mechanical fastener 100 to the building structure 13, with the screw tip being located within a section of the wall anchor 106 which is itself fixed within the wall bore 91, and to ii) screw the screw 104 completely into the wall anchor 106 so that the screw head 104 presses against the wall anchor head 108.In this way, a rod of the mechanical fastening element 100, formed by assembling the screw and the wall anchor, in particular the arrangement of the wall anchor rod 107 and the screw rod 103, is attached to the supporting structure 13 of the building, and a head of each mechanical fastening element, formed by assembling the wall anchor head 108 and the screw head 103, is held against the head fixing stop 33 of its respective plate anchor 20. This pulls the underside 26 of the anchor head 24 against the stop surface 64 of the insulating plate 10, so that the insulating plate is held firmly against the building structure 13.

[0044] A spacer section 81 of the inner anchor bore 23 between the anchor head 24 and the head fixing stop 33 provides a clearance fit with respect to the diameter of the screw head 104 and the wall anchor head; that is, the space is sufficiently large to allow the head of the mechanical fastener 100 to move easily forward along the inner anchor bore 23 from the anchor head 24 to the anchor tip 25 until it contacts the head fixing stop 33 and is blocked by it. A sliding section 82 of the inner anchor bore 23 between the head fixing stop 33 and the anchor tip 25 provides a sliding fit with respect to the diameter of the rod of the mechanical fastener, that is, the outer diameter of the wall anchor rod 107 in the embodiment shown.The gap is such that the wall anchor can be pushed into position by hand through the sliding section 82 of the internal bore, while preventing it from tilting after assembly. This, combined with the length of the sliding section, increases mechanical stability.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows in particular: - the horizontal wing-like protrusions 31,32; - a cylindrical thermal insulation plug made of mineral wool 83, which has been inserted into and fills the outer plate bore 62 between the first main surface 16 of the ETICS insulation plate and the plate anchor head 24; and - a layer of plaster mortar 84, which has been applied to cover the entire first main surface 17 of the ETICS insulating board 10.

[0046] Fig. 9 shows in particular: - one of the horizontal wing-like protrusions 31; and - a contact of the underside 26 of the anchor head 24 with the stop surface 64 of the insulating plate 10. (for clarification, the following is shown in the Fig. 9 neither the plug 83 nor the plaster mortar 84 is shown).

[0047] According to further aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for attaching an ETICS insulating panel, an ETICS insulating panel and a pre-assembled panel with one or more of the following features: Feature 1: Method for attaching an ETICS insulation panel to a supporting structure of a building, in particular a facade of a building, comprising: - providing an ETICS insulation panel, in particular an ETICS insulation panel made of rock wool, comprising a plurality of plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulation panel, in particular at least three plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulation panel, and preferably at least four plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulation panel; wherein each plate anchor comprises: an elongated anchor tube extending along a plate anchor axis, the anchor tube surrounding an inner anchor bore, the anchor bore extending from an anchor head at one end of the anchor tube to an anchor tip at the other end of the anchor tube; two wing-like anchor protrusions, each extending axially along the anchor tube and projecting radially outward from the anchor tube; and a Head fixing stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; wherein the anchor bore is connected to an opening provided in the ETICS insulating board between a first main surface of the ETICS insulating board and the anchor head; and subsequently: - Inserting a respective mechanical fastener into each of the plate anchors, each mechanical fastener comprising a rod, a head at one end of the rod and a tip at the other end of the rod, and wherein the insertion of each mechanical fastener comprises inserting the tip of the mechanical fastener successively through the opening provided in the ETICS insulating panel, between the first main surface of the ETICS insulating panel and the anchor head, and into the anchor bore; and - Fastening the ETICS insulation panel to the supporting structure of the building using the mechanical fasteners by positioning a second main surface of the ETICS insulation panel against the supporting structure and advancing each mechanical fastener so that the rod of each mechanical fastener is attached to the supporting structure and the head of each mechanical fastener is held against the head fixing stop of its respective panel anchor. Feature 2. Method according to Feature 1, wherein the method further comprises, after the step of fastening the ETICS insulation panel, subsequently inserting a respective thermal insulation plug, in particular a cylindrical plug made of mineral wool, into each opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first main surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the panel anchor head. Feature 3. Method according to one of the preceding features, further comprising attaching a plurality of additional ETICS insulating plates to the support structure so that they are in contact with the ETICS insulating plate, and wherein each additional ETICS insulating plate is attached using the method according to one of features 1 to 2. Feature 4. Method according to any of the preceding features, wherein the method subsequently comprises applying a plaster mortar to cover the entire first main surface of each ETICS insulating board. Feature 5. Method according to any of the preceding features, wherein the method subsequently comprises applying, in particular by means of an adhesive, an outer layer, preferably a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks, to the first main surface of each ETICS insulating panel, in particular the entire first main surface of each ETICS insulating panel. Feature 6. Method according to feature 5, wherein the outer layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks, preferably a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks with a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, in particular a thickness in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. Feature 7. Method according to any of the preceding features, wherein each ETICS insulating panel is an ETICS insulating panel according to any of features 8 to 20. Feature 8. ETICS insulating panel, in particular an ETICS insulating panel made of rock wool, comprising a plurality of plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel, in particular at least three plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel, and preferably at least four plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel; wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongated anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube surrounding an inner anchor bore, the anchor bore extending from an anchor head at one end of the anchor tube to an anchor tip at the other end of the anchor tube; two wing-like anchor protrusions, each extending in an axial direction along the anchor tube and projecting radially outward from the anchor tube; and a head fixing stop provided along the length of the anchor bore;wherein the anchor bore is connected to an opening provided in the ETICS insulating plate between a first main surface of the ETICS insulating plate and the anchor head. Feature 9. ETICS insulating panel according to feature 8, wherein the wing-like protrusions increase the shear strength of the ETICS insulating panel with respect to the panel anchor. Feature 10. ETICS insulating panel according to any one of features 8 to 9, wherein - one of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a first protrusion direction, - a second of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a second protrusion direction, and in which an angle between the first protrusion direction and the second protrusion, measured around the plate anchor axis, lies in the range of 90° to 270°, preferably in the range of 120° to 240°, more preferably in the range of 170° to 190°. Feature 11. ETICS insulating plate according to one of features 8 to 10, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube by a distance of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm. Feature 12. ETICS insulating plate according to one of features 8 to 11, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube by a distance of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm and more, preferably at least 40 mm. Feature 13. ETICS insulating panel according to one of features 8 to 11, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects in an axial direction forming an angle of less than 30° with respect to the horizontal, preferably forming an angle of less than 15° with respect to the horizontal, and wherein more preferably each of the wing-like protrusions projects in an axial direction which is horizontal. Feature 14. ETICS insulating board according to one of features 8 to 13, wherein - the plate anchor head has an outer diameter of at least 20 mm, preferably in the range of 50 mm to 120 mm; and - the anchor tube has a length of at least 50 mm, preferably in the range of 50 mm to 150 mm. Feature 15. ETICS insulating panel according to one of features 8 to 14, which is attached to a supporting structure of a building by respective mechanical fasteners which are arranged in each panel anchor such that a rod of each mechanical fastener is attached to the supporting structure and the head of each mechanical fastener is held against the head fixing stop of its respective panel anchor, in particular wherein the only mechanical fasteners by which the ETICS insulating panel is attached to the supporting structure are the mechanical fasteners which are attached in the aforementioned panel anchor. Feature 16 ETICS insulating board according to feature 15, wherein the mechanical fastening element consists of a screw and wherein the head of the mechanical fastening element is the head of the screw and the rod of the mechanical fastening element is the rod or shaft of the screw. Feature 17. ETICS insulating board according to feature 15, wherein the mechanical fastening element consists of a screw and a wall anchor which are assembled, and wherein the head of the mechanical fastening element is the head of the arrangement of the screw and the wall anchor and the rod of the mechanical fastening element is the rod which is formed by assembling the screw and the wall anchor. Feature 18. ETICS insulating plate according to one of features 15 to 17, wherein a section of the inner anchor bore between the anchor head and the head fixing stop provides a clearance fit with respect to the diameter of the head of the fixing and a section of the inner anchor bore between the head fixing stop and the anchor tip provides a sliding fit with respect to the diameter of the rod of the fixing. Feature 19. ETICS insulating board according to one of features 15 to 18, wherein - the rod of the mechanical fastening element has a length of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 100 mm and less than 400 mm, preferably less than 300 mm. Feature 20. ETICS insulating plate according to one of features 15 to 18, wherein the distance between the head fixing stop and the anchor tip is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. Feature 21. ETICS insulation panel according to one of features 15 to 20, wherein the ETICS insulation panel is arranged to abut a plurality of additional ETICS insulation panels according to one of features 15 to 20, each of which is attached to the supporting structure of the building. Feature 22. ETICS insulating plate according to one of features 8 to 14, wherein the ETICS insulating plate is arranged in a package comprising a plurality, preferably at least 3, additional ETICS insulating plates according to one of features 8 to 14. Feature 23. Pre-assembled panel comprising an ETICS insulating panel according to one of features 8 to 14 and an outer layer which is attached, in particular by an adhesive, to a first main surface of the ETICS insulating panel, wherein preferably the outer layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks, and wherein more preferably the outer layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks with a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, in particular a thickness in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. Feature 24. Pre-assembled panel according to feature 23, attached to a supporting structure of a building, wherein the ETICS panel is an ETICS panel according to one of features 15 to 20. Feature 25. Pre-assembled panel according to feature 24, wherein the pre-assembled panel is arranged such that it abuts a plurality of additional pre-assembled panels according to feature 24, each of which is attached to the supporting structure of the building. Feature 26. Pre-assembled panel according to feature 23, wherein the pre-assembled panel is arranged in a package comprising a plurality, preferably at least 3, additional pre-assembled panels according to feature 23. Feature 27. Method for attaching an ETICS insulating panel to a supporting structure of a building, in particular a facade of a building, comprising: - Providing a pre-assembled panel comprising an ETICS insulating panel and an outer layer attached to a first main surface of the ETICS insulating panel, wherein the pre-assembled panel comprises a plurality of plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel of the pre-assembled panel, in particular at least three plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel of the pre-assembled panel, and preferably at least four plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel of the pre-assembled panel; wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongated anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube surrounding an inner anchor bore, the anchor bore extending from an anchor head at one end of the anchor tube to an anchor tip at the other end of the anchor tube;two wing-like anchor protrusions, each extending axially along the anchor tube and radially outward from the anchor tube; and a head fixing stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; the anchor bore communicating with an opening provided in the ETICS insulating plate between the first main surface of the ETICS insulating plate and the anchor head; - Providing openings in the outer layer to provide access to mechanical fasteners, in particular providing openings between adjacent bricks; and subsequently: - Inserting a respective mechanical fastener into each of the plate anchors, each mechanical fastener comprising a rod, a head at one end of the rod, and a tip at the other end of the rod, and the insertion of each mechanical fastener comprising inserting the tip of the mechanical fastener successively through i) the opening provided in the outer layer, ii) the opening provided in the ETICS insulating panel between the first main surface of the ETICS insulating panel and the anchor head, and iii) into the anchor bore; and - Fastening the pre-assembled panel to the supporting structure of the building using the mechanical fasteners by positioning a second main surface of the ETICS insulating panel against the supporting structure and advancing each mechanical fastener so that the rod of each mechanical fastener is attached to the supporting structure and the head of each mechanical fastener is held against the head fixing stop of its respective panel anchor. Feature 28. Method according to Feature 27, wherein the method further comprises, after the step of fastening the pre-assembled panel, subsequently filling each opening provided in the outer layer with a filler, in particular cement or mortar. Feature 29. Method according to one of features 27 to 28, wherein the outer layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks, preferably a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks with a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, in particular a thickness in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. Feature 30. Method according to one of features 27 to 29, wherein the ETICS insulating board is made of rock wool. Feature 31. A method according to any one of features 27 to 30, further comprising attaching a plurality of additional pre-assembled plates to the support structure so that it abuts the pre-assembled plate, and wherein each additional pre-assembled plate is attached using the method according to any one of features 27 to 30. Feature 32. A method according to any one of features 27 to 31, wherein each pre-assembled plate is a pre-assembled plate according to any one of features 23 to 24.

Claims

[1] Method for attaching an ETICS insulating panel to a supporting structure of a building, in particular a facade of a building, comprising: - Providing an ETICS insulating panel comprising a plurality of plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel, in particular at least three plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel, and preferably at least four plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel; wherein each plate anchor comprises: an elongated anchor tube extending along a plate anchor axis, the anchor tube surrounding an inner anchor bore, the anchor bore extending from an anchor head at one end of the anchor tube to an anchor tip at the other end of the anchor tube; two wing-like anchor protrusions, each extending axially along the anchor tube and projecting radially outward from the anchor tube; and a head fixing stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; wherein the anchor bore communicates with an opening provided in the ETICS insulating plate between a first main surface of the ETICS insulating plate and the anchor head; and subsequently: - Inserting a respective mechanical fastener into each of the plate anchors, each mechanical fastener comprising a rod, a head at one end of the rod and a tip at the other end of the rod, and the insertion of each mechanical fastener comprising inserting the tip of the mechanical fastener successively through the opening provided in the ETICS insulating plate between the first main surface of the ETICS insulating plate and the anchor head, and into the anchor bore; and - Attaching the ETICS insulation panel to the supporting structure of the building using the mechanical fasteners by arranging a second main surface of the ETICS insulation panel against the supporting structure and moving each mechanical fastener forward so that the rod of each mechanical fastener is attached to the supporting structure and the head of each mechanical fastener is held against the head fixing stop of its respective panel anchor. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the method after the step of fastening the ETICS insulation panel further comprises subsequently inserting a respective thermal insulation plug, in particular a cylindrical plug made of mineral wool, into each opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first main surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the panel anchor head. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising attaching a plurality of additional ETICS insulating plates to the support structure such that they abut the ETICS insulating plate, and wherein each additional ETICS insulating plate is attached using the method according to any of claims 1 to 2. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method subsequently comprises applying a plaster mortar to cover the entire first main surface of each ETICS insulation board. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each ETICS insulation panel is an ETICS insulation panel according to any one of claims 6 to 14. [6] ETICS insulating panel comprising a plurality of plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel, in particular at least three plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel, and preferably at least four plastic panel anchors held within the ETICS insulating panel; wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongated anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube surrounding an inner anchor bore, the anchor bore extending from an anchor head at one end of the anchor tube to an anchor tip at the other end of the anchor tube; two wing-like anchor protrusions, each extending axially along the anchor tube and projecting radially outward from the anchor tube; and a head fixing stop provided along the length of the anchor bore;wherein the anchor bore is connected to an opening provided in the insulating plate between a first main surface of the insulating plate and the anchor head; [7] ETICS insulating board according to claim 6, wherein - one of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a first protrusion direction, - a second of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a second protrusion direction, wherein an angle between the first protrusion direction and the second protrusion, measured around the plate anchor axis, is in the range of 90° to 270°, preferably in the range of 120° to 240°, more preferably in the range of 170° to 190°. [8] ETICS insulating plate according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube at a distance of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm. [9] ETICS insulating panel according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions i) extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube by a distance of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm and more, preferably at least 40 mm; or ii) projects in an axial direction forming an angle of less than 30° with respect to the horizontal, preferably an angle of less than 15° with respect to the horizontal, and wherein more preferably each of the wing-like projections projects in an axial direction which is horizontal. [10] ETICS insulating board according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein - the plate anchor head has an outer diameter of at least 20 mm, preferably in the range of 50 mm to 120 mm; and - the anchor tube has a length of at least 50 mm, preferably in the range of 50 mm to 150 mm. [11] ETICS insulation panel according to any one of claims 6 to 10, which is attached to a supporting structure of a building by means of respective mechanical fastening elements which are arranged in each panel anchor such that a rod of each mechanical fastening element is attached to the supporting structure and the head of each mechanical fastening element is held against the head fixing stop of its respective panel anchor, in particular wherein the only mechanical fastening elements by which the ETICS insulation panel is attached to the supporting structure are the mechanical fastening elements which are attached in the aforementioned panel anchors. [12] ETICS insulating panel according to claim 11, wherein the mechanical fastening element is made of (i) a screw, wherein the head of the mechanical fastener is the head of the screw and the rod of the mechanical fastener is the rod of the screw; or ii) a screw and a wall anchor which are composed together, wherein the head of the mechanical fastener is the head of the assembly of the screw and wall anchor and the rod of the mechanical fastener is the rod formed by the assembly of the screw and wall anchor. [13] ETICS insulating plate according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein a section of the inner anchor bore between the anchor head and the head fixing stop provides a clearance fit with respect to the diameter of the head of the fixing and a section of the inner anchor bore between the head fixing stop and the anchor tip provides a sliding fit with respect to the diameter of the rod of the fixing. [14] ETICS insulating board according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein i) the rod of the mechanical fastening element has a length of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 100 mm and less than 400 mm, preferably less than 300 mm; or ii) the distance between the head fixing stop and the anchor tip is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. [15] Pre-assembled panel comprising an ETICS insulation panel according to any one of claims 6 to 14 and a layer of facing bricks, tiles or bricks, which are attached to the first main surface of the ETICS insulation panel, in particular by means of an adhesive.

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