Mineral wool insulation system

Abstract

External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) insulation panel 10, 11 comprising a plurality of plastics panel anchors 20 retained within it, each anchor comprising an elongate anchor tube 21

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an insulation system (and parts thereof), to insulation panels and to a method for fixing insulation panels, notably ETICS insulation panel (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) at a support structure of a building.

[0002] An external, thermally insulating cladding is often provided at an external wall of a building, notably a fagade, by ETICS insulation panels. The ETICS insulation panels are fixed at a support structure of the building, generally, using an adhesive and screws which provide a mechanical fixing. When mechanical fixings are used, a common installation method involves sequentially: i) securing each ETICS insulation panel to a support structure of the building to be insulated (e.g. an external wall of the building) using an adhesive (typically a hydraulic adhesive), ii) allowing the adhesive to dry (which typically takes a number of hours), iii) drilling a plurality of bore holes through each ETICS insulation panel and into the support structure of the building behind the ETICS insulation panel, iv) inserting a combined wall plug and panel anchor into each bore hole within the ETICS insulation panel, and v) screwing a respective mechanical fixing (typically a screw) through each panel anchor and into the associated wall plug in the support structure of the building.

[0003] Although this arrangement provides secure attachment of the ETICS insulation panels to the building structure it has a number of drawbacks. For example, when the ETICS insulation panels are made of foam, for example expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), the friability of the foam can lead to foam breaking when cut (for example to conform a non-standard dimension) or drilled. When the ETICS insulation panels are mineral wool panels, the panel anchors, and particularly its panel anchor head may locally compress the mineral wool fibres more than desired during installation, thus creating deformation and preventing a uniform density through the mineral wool fibres; this can impact the thermal insulation distribution and lead to a non-uniform visual appearance on the external surface of the system especially after ageing. In addition, the installation steps are labour intensive and time-consuming, and rely upon the installer to drill the bore holes in the desired positions (the desired position of the bore holes often being a function of a particular construction and / or type of ETICS insulation panel).

[0004] It is thus desired to provide an ETICS system which is easier and less time consuming to install, which reduces variations during installation and which facilitates compliance with system and installation standards.

[0005] In accordance with one of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of installing an ETICS insulation panel at a support 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 support structure of the building to which the insulation panel is anchored may be concrete, solid masonry, perforated masonry, lightweight concrete with a dense matrix structure (LC), lightweight aggregate concrete with open pore structure (LAC), gas concrete; particularly in these cases, the mechanical fixation preferably consists of a screw and a wall plug assembled together. In this case, a tip of the screw will be secured in the support structure via the wall plug (i.e. a generally plastic material, used to enhance attachment of the screw in the material of the support structure).

[0007] The support structure may be wood, a wooden frame, steel or a steel frame; particularly in these cases, the mechanical fixation preferably consists of a screw, the screw being selected for its ability to be secured to the material and form of the support structure. In this case, a tip of the screw will be secured directly the support structure.

[0008] The insulation panel is an insulation panel for External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), also called an ETICS insulation panel, made of a thermally insulating material.

[0009] The thermally insulating material is preferably mineral wool. Enhanced shear resistance and minimising the required number of mechanical attachments is particularly advantageous when using mineral wool ETICS insulation panels. Thus, the thermally insulating material of the ETICS insulation panel may comprise or consist essentially of a mineral wool, notably stone wool (also called rockwool). The mineral wool preferably has a density of at least 80 kg / m3, at least 100 kg / m3 or at least 120 kg / m3; this provides a combination of good thermal and mechanical properties. The mineral wool may have a density of not more than 220 kg / m3 or not more than 200 kg / m3; it preferably has a density of not more than 180 kg / m3.

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

[0011] The insulating material may comprise or consist essentially of expanded polystyrene (EPS). The EPS may have a density of at least 15 kg / m3 or at least 20 kg / m3; it may have a density of not more than 50 kg / m3 or not more than 40 kg / m3.

[0012] The insulating material may comprise or consist essentially of extruded polystyrene (XPS). The XPS may have a density of at least 20 kg / m3 or at least 25 kg / m3; it may have a density of not more than 65 kg / m3 or not more than 60 kg / m3.

[0013] The insulating material may comprise or consist essentially of polyurethane foam (Pll). The Pll may have a density of at least 20 kg / m3 or at least 25 kg / m3; it may have a density of not more than 80 kg / m3 or of not more than 50 kg / m3 or not more than 45 kg / m3.

[0014] The insulating material may comprise or consist essentially of polyisocyanurate (PIR). The PIR may have a density of at least 20 kg / m3 or at least 25 kg / m3; it may have a density of not more than 80 kg / m3 or of not more than 65 kg / m3 or not more than 60 kg / m3.

[0015] As used herein, the term "consists essentially of' is intended to limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.

[0016] The ETICS insulation panels are preferably thermal insulation panels having a lambda value (A) of : <50 mW / m.K, <45 mW / m.K or <40 mW / m.K, more preferably a lambda value (A) of <36 mW / m.K. Particularly when the insulation panel is a mineral wool panel, the lambda value (A) may be <40 mW / m.K, preferably <37 mW / m.K, more preferably <36 mW / m.K. Particularly when the insulation panel is a foam panel, the lambda value (A) may be <35 mW / m.K or <30 mW / m.K. The lambda value (A) referred to herein means thermal conductivity measured at 10 °C in accordance with EN 13162.

[0017] The compression strength of the ETICS insulating panel may be at least 20 kPa, preferably at least 30 kPa.

[0018] The thickness of the ETICS insulating panel may be at least 40 mm preferably at least 50 mm; it may be not more than 400 mm, preferably not more than 300 mm.

[0019] ETICS insulation panel generally have a width wp of 120 cm and a height hp of 60 cm. The width may be in the range 100 to 150 cm and the height may be in the range 40 to 80 cm.

[0020] The panel anchor is preferably made of a plastics material, notably a moulded plastic. The plastics material of the panel anchor may be selected from the group consisting of a polyamide PA, a polyacrylamide PAA, a polyphtalamide PPA, a polyethylene PE, a polypropylene PP and a polyvinyl chloride PVC.

[0021] The mechanical fixation is preferably a staple, multi-purpose commercial fixation readily available to the trade as opposed to being a bespoke design. This facilitates logistics and compatibility. Once the ETICS insulation panel has been securing to the support structure of the building using the mechanical fixation, the mechanical fixation preferably projects by a distance of 10 mm to 100 mm into the support structure of the building. Thus, the length of the mechanical fixation is selected to provide a suitable length of projection as a function of the thickness of the ETICS insulation panel.

[0022] When the mechanical fixation comprises a wall plug, the wall plug is preferably at least 50mm, at least 70, at least 100mm and / or less than 400mm, less than 300mm or less than 200mm. The wall plug preferably has a length substantially equal to the length of the corresponding screw.

[0023] The panel anchor preferably comprises a panel anchor head which engages a stop surface of the ETICS insulation panel so as to block relative movement in one direction between the panel anchor and the insulating panel. The stop surface of the ETICS insulation panel is preferably arranged below the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel, for example in a countersunk portion of a panel bore. In this case, the head of the panel anchor is preferably housed entirely in the panel bore without projecting beyond the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel. The bore can then be plugged, notably with an insulation material, to reduce the risk of hot or cold spots at the surface of the ETICS insulation panel and / or to provide a flush surface to facilitate application of render. Alternatively, the stop surface of the ETICS insulation panel may be arranged at the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel; in this case, a suitable thickness of render is preferably applied to the first major surface to hide the presence of the underlying panel anchor head.

[0024] When the render is applied to cover the entire first major surface of each ETICS insulation panel, after securing the ETICS insulation panel to the support structure of the building using the mechanical fixations, it forms a facing layer secured to the first major surface of each ETICS insulation panel.

[0025] Alternatively, the facing layer may be attached, notably by an adhesive, to the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel prior to its installation at a building structure so that the ETICS insulation panel and the facing layer forms a pre-assembled panel to be secured (i.e. the facing layer is present before securing the ETICS insulation panel to the support structure of the building). In this case, orifices are preferably provided in the facing layer to provide access to the mechanical fixations, these orifices being intended to be filled once the ETICS insulation panel has been secured by the mechanical fixations. For example, the facing layer may be provided in this way at the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel by a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles, notably a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles having a thickness in the range 5mm to 30mm, notably a thickness in the range 10mm to 20 mm. Alternatively, such a facing layer may be attached to the ETICS insulation panel after the ETICS insulation panel has been secured with the mechanical fixations to the support structure of the building.

[0026] The method preferably further comprises providing panel bores in the ETICS insulation panel, notably by machining the insulation material of the ETICS insulation panel and removing part of the insulation material, each panel bore being adapted to receive and house a respective panel anchor.

[0027] The panel anchor comprises at least two wing-like anchor protrusions, each of which extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube. Each wing-like anchor protrusions is part of the panel anchor, that is to say, each is securely connected to the other parts of the panel anchor, notably by being moulded together within the rest of the panel anchor. In use, each wing-like protrusion projects from the anchor tube preferably into the insulation material of the ETICS insulation panel to provide support surfaces which are part of the panel anchor and against which the weight of the ETICS insulation panel acts. This enhances shear resistance caused by the weight of the ETICS insulation panel against the panel anchor. Each wing-like protrusion is preferably received in a pre-formed slot provided in the insulation material of the ETICS insulation panel. The wing-like protrusions are preferably arranged to be horizontal when the ETICS panel is secured to the support structure of a building, this helps to maximise their utility. Nevertheless, any suitable orientation which allows them to perform their function, for example within ±30° to the horizonal may be used. The arrangement may be such that - a first of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a first projection direction, - a second of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a second projection direction, and an angle between the first projection direction and the second projection measured around the panel anchor axis is in the range 90° to 270°, preferably in the range 120° to 240°, more preferably in the range 170° to 190. This provides a suitable relative orientation which allows the wing-like protrusions to perform their function.

[0028] Preferably, the panel anchor has two and only two wing-like projections.

[0029] Each of the wing-like protrusions may projects radially outwards from the anchor tube for a distance which is at least 10mm, preferably at least 15 mm; each of the wing-like protrusions may extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube for a distance which is 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 projections.

[0030] The panel anchor head may have an external diameter of at least 20mm, preferably in the range 50mm to 120mm; this provides the panel anchor head with a suitable cross section to press against the ETICS insulation panel, notably against a stop surface of the ETICS insulation panel, to retain the ETICS insulation panel in place against the building structure.

[0031] The anchor tube may have a length of at least 50mm, preferably in the range 50mm to 150mm. This provides suitable contact between the panel anchor and the insulation material of the ETICS insulation panel which also facilitating assembly.

[0032] A distance between the head fixation stop and anchor tip is preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10mm, most preferably at least 15 mm, this facilitates stable mechanical interaction between the panel anchor and the mechanical fixation.

[0033] The head fixation stop is adapted to allow the rod of the mechanical fixation to advance into the through opening towards the exit end region of the panel anchor and to prevent further advancement of the fixation by blocking the head of the mechanical fixation at the head fixation stop. The head fixation stop may allow a backward removal of the mechanical fixation from the panel anchor. This configuration is advantageous as it allows the removal of mechanical fixation and avoid the mechanical fixation being stuck inside the panel anchor once it is at its retained position.

[0034] The head fixation stop mat be provided by a shoulder within the internal anchor bore, for example provided by a portion of the internal anchor bore positioned between the head fixation stop and the tip of the panel anchor having a diameter which is smaller than a portion of the internal anchor bore which is positioned between the head fixation stop and the panel anchor head.

[0035] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings of which: Fig 1 is a schematic front view of ETICS insulation panels providing insulation to an external wall of a building structure; Fig 2 is a top view of a panel anchor; Fig 3 is a side view of the panel anchor; Fig 4 is a cross sectional top view through the panel anchor; Fig 5 is a rear view of the panel anchor in direction 5-5; Fig 6 is a cross-sectional side view through part of an ETICS insulation panel; Fig 7 is a front view of part of an ETICS insulation panel; Fig 8 is a cross-sectional top view through part of an installed ETICS insulation panel; Fig 9 is a cross-sectional side view through part of an installed ETICS insulation panel; and Fig 10 is a side view of a mechanical fixation.

[0036] Fig 1 shows part of an exterior surface of an exterior wall of a building insulated using 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 40cm and a thickness tp of 120mm and consists essentially of a substantially rigid layer of rock wool having a density of about 90kg / m3. Each ETICS insulation panels is secured to a supporting structure 13 of the building by a layer of cement or mortar 14 and by four mechanical fixations, one in each corner section of the panel 10,11, the position 15 of each mechanical fixation being indicated schematically in Fig 1.

[0037] Each mechanical fixation comprises a panel anchor 20 (see Figs 2, 3, 4 and 5) secured in the mineral wool 16 (shown in Fig 8) of the ETICS insulation panel. Each panel anchor comprises: an elongate anchor tube 21 extending along a panel anchor axis 22, the anchor tube 21 having a length It of 65 mm and circumscribing an internal anchor bore 23, with the anchor bore 23 extending from an anchor head 24 (external 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 for a distance Iw of 35 mm from the anchor head 24 towards the anchor tip 25, over which distance it projects radially (i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the panel anchor axis 22) outwards from the anchor tube 21 for a distance hw of 20mm; each wing-like protrusion 31,32 then tapers towards the anchor tube 21, joining the anchor tube 21 at the anchor tip 25. This provides a taper 34 so that the distance by which each wing-like protrusion which projects radially reduces towards the anchor tip 25 to facilitate insertion of the panel anchor 20 into its ETICS insulation panel. A first of the wing-like protrusions 31 protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a first projection direction P1 and the second of the wing-like protrusions 32 protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a second projection direction P2 with an angle a between the first projection direction P1 and the second projection direction measured around the panel anchor axis 22 being 180 °.

[0038] A head fixation stop 33 is also provided along the length of the anchor bore 23 part way between the anchor head 24 and the anchor tip 25.

[0039] Figs 6 and 7 show a corner section of the ETICS insulation panel 10 provided with a panel bore 61 into which the panel anchor 20 is assembled. The panel bore 61 has i) an outer panel bore 62 which extends perpendicularly from a first major surface 17 of the insulation panel 10 for 20 mm into the insulation panel 10 towards the second major surface 18 of the insulation panel to a stop surface 64 of the insulating panel and ii) a co-axial inner panel bore 61 which extends from the stop surface 64 part way to the second major surface 18 of the insulation panel. As illustrated in Figs 8 and 9, each panel anchor 20 is assembled in a respective panel bore 61 such that a) the anchor head 24 is housed in the outer panel bore 61 with an underside 26 of the anchor head 24 against the stop surface 64, b) the anchor tube 21 is housed in the inner panel bore 63 and c) each wing-like projection 31,32 is housed in a wing slot 65, 66 provided in the mineral wool 16 of the ETICS insulation panel 10 and extending in an axial direction from the stop surface 64 at least part way along the axial length of the inner panel bore 63. Each wing slot 65,66 may be formed by removing material from the ETICS insulation panel, for example by milling. Alternatively, each of the wing slots 65,66 may be provided by cutting into the ETICS insulation panel to provide a slit into which the wing-like projections 31,32 are pressed or forced as a compression fit.

[0040] Preferably, the ETICS insulation panels are delivered to a building site where they will be used with each panel anchor 20 already assembled in its respective panel bore 61. Each ETICS insulation panel 10, 11 is initially attached to a support structure 13 of surface building, for example a concrete outer wall forming a fagade of the building, by applying a layer of mortar 14 to the second major surface 18 of the ETICS insulation panel 10,11 and lightly pressing the panel 10,11 against the support structure 13 so that the layer of mortar 14 holds it in place. Generally, an installer will start by assembling a lower horizontal array of ETICS insulation panel 10, 11 at the support structure and progressively assemble additional horizontal arrays of ETICS insulation panel 10, 11 above this i.e. building the arrangement of the ETICS insulation panels 10, 11 starting from the base of the support structure and working upwards.

[0041] Once the ETICS insulation panels 10, 11 are secured to the building structure 13 with the mortar 14, in the case where the support structure requires drilling to correctly receive a screw that will provide a mechanical fixation, the installer inserts an appropriate drill bit sequentially through a portion of the panel bore 61 between the first major surface 17 of the insulation panel and into and through the internal anchor bore 23 and then drills through a portion of the mineral wool 16 towards the second major surface 18 of the insulation panel, through the layer of mortar 14 and into the building structure 13 to provide a wall bore 91 in the building structure 13.

[0042] Once the drill bit has been removed, a tip 101 of a pre-assembled mechanical fixation 100 (shown in Fig 10) is inserted sequentially through a portion of the panel bore 61 between the first major surface 17 of the insulation panel, into and through the internal anchor bore 23 at the anchor head 24, into and through the internal anchor bore 23 at the anchor tube 21, through the bore that was drilled through the mineral wool 16 and the mortar 14 and into the wall bore 91. The illustrated pre-assembled mechanical fixation 100 comprises a metal screw 102 arranged within a plastics wall plug 106, the screw 102 having a screw rod 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 plug 106 having a wall plug rod 107 with a wall plug head 108 at one end of the wall plug rod 107 and a wall plug tip 109 (which forms the tip 101 of the mechanical fastener) at the other end of the wall plug rod 107. The wall plug tip 109 is lodged in the wall bore 91 and the screw 104 is then screwed further into the wall plug 106 using a power screwdriver to i) secure the mechanical fixation 100 to the building structure 13 with the screw tip lodged inside a portion of the wall plug 106 which is itself secured inside the wall bore 91 and to ii) screw the screw 102 fully into the wall plug 106 so that the screw head 104 presses against the wall plug head 108. In this way, a rod of the mechanical fixation 100 which is formed by the assembly of the screw and the wall plug, particularly the assembly of the wall plug rod 107 and the screw rod 103, is secured to the support structure 13 of the building and a head of each mechanical fixation, which is formed by the assembly of the wall plug head 108 and the screw head 103 is retained against the head fixation stop 33 of its respective panel anchor 20. This pulls the underside 26 of the anchor head 24 against the stop surface 64 of the insulation panel 10 to firmly hold the insulation panel against the building structure 13.

[0043] A clearance portion 81 of the internal anchor bore 23 between the anchor head 24 and the head fixation stop 33 provides a clearance fit with respect to the diameter of the head of the screw head 104 and wall plug head, that is to say the clearance is sufficiently large to allow the head of the mechanical fixation 100 to be easily advanced along the internal anchor bore 23 from the anchor head 24 towards the anchor tip 25 until it contacts and is blocked by the head fixation stop 33. A sliding portion 82 of the internal anchor bore 23 between the head fixation stop 33 and the anchor tip 25 provides a sliding fit with respect to the diameter of the rod of the mechanical fixation i.e. the external diameter of the wall plug rod 107 in the illustrated embodiment, that is to say the clearance is such so as to allow the wall plug to be slid into position by hand through the sliding portion 82 of the internal bore whilst preventing the possibility of rocking once assembled. This, in combination with the length of the sliding portion enhance mechanical stability.

[0044] Fig 8 illustrates, in particular: - the horizontal wing like protrusions 31,32; - a cylindrical, thermally insulating plug of mineral wool 83 that has been inserted into and fills the outer panel bore 62 between the first major surface 16 of the ETICS insulation panel and panel anchor head 24; and - a layer of render 84 which has been applied to cover the entire first major surface 17 of the ETICS insulation panel 10.

[0045] Fig 9 illustrates, in particular: - one of the horizontal wing-like protrusions 31; and - contact of the underside 26 of the anchor head 24 with the stop surface 64 of the insulation panel 10. (for clarity, neither the plug 83 nor the render 84 are shown in Fig 9).

[0046] According to further aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of installing an ETICS insulation panel, an ETICS insulation panel and a pre-assembled panel having one or more of the following features: Feature 1: A method of installing an ETICS insulation panel at a support structure of a building, notably a fapade of a building, comprising: - providing an ETICS insulation panel, notably an ETICS insulation panel made of stone wool, comprising a plurality of plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel, notably at least three plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel and preferably at least four plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel; wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongate anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube circumscribing an internal anchor bore, with 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 of which extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube and projects radially outwards from the anchor tube; and a head fixation stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; with the anchor bore communicating with an opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between a first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the anchor head; and subsequently: - inserting a respective mechanical fixation into each of the panel anchors, each mechanical fixation comprising a rod, a head at one end of the rod and a tip at another end of the rod and in which inserting each mechanical fixation comprises inserting the tip of the mechanical fixation sequentially through the opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the anchor head and into the anchor bore; and - securing the ETICS insulation panel to the support structure of the building using the mechanical fixations by arranging a second major surface of the ETICS insulation panel against the support structure and advancing each mechanical fixation such that the rod of each mechanical fixation is secured to the support structure and the head of each mechanical fixation is retained against the head fixation stop of its respective panel anchor. Feature 2. A method in accordance with feature 1, wherein the method further comprises, after the step of securing the ETICS insulation panel, subsequently inserting a respective thermally insulating plug, notably a cylindrical plug of mineral wool, into each opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and panel anchor head. Feature 3. A method in accordance with any preceding feature, further comprising securing a plurality of additional ETICS insulation panel at the support structure so as to abut the ETICS insulation panel, and in which each additional ETICS insulation panel is installed using the method of any of features 1 to 2. Feature 4. A method in accordance with any preceding feature, wherein the method comprises subsequently applying a render to cover the entire first major surface of each ETICS insulation panel. Feature 5. A method in accordance with any preceding feature, wherein the method comprises subsequently attaching, notably by an adhesive, a facing layer, preferably a layer of facing bricks, tile or brick tiles, to the first major surface of each ETICS insulation panel, notably the entire first major surface of each ETICS insulation panel. Feature 6. A method in accordance with feature 5, wherein the facing layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles, preferably a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles having a thickness in the range 5mm to 30mm, notably a thickness in the range 10mm to 20 mm. Feature 7. A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which each ETICS insulation panel is an ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 20. Feature 8. An ETICS insulation panel, notably an ETICS insulation panel made of stone wool, comprising a plurality of plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel, notably at least three plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel and preferably at least four plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel; wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongate anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube circumscribing an internal anchor bore, with 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 of which extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube and projects radially outwards from the anchor tube; and a head fixation stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; with the anchor bore communicating with an opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between a first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the anchor head. Feature 9. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with feature 8, wherein the wing-like protrusions enhance shear resistance of the ETICS insulation panel with respect to the panel anchor. Feature 10.An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 9, wherein - a first of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a first projection direction, - a second of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a second projection direction, and in which an angle between the first projection direction and the second projection measured around the panel anchor axis is in the range 90° to 270°, preferably in the range 120° to 240°, more preferably in the range 170° to 190. Feature 11. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 10, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube for a distance which is at least 10mm, preferably at least 15 mm. Feature 12. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 11, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube for a distance which is at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm and more preferably at least 40 mm. Feature 13. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 11, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects in an axial direction which makes an angle of less than 30° with respect to horizontal, preferable an angle of less than 15° with respect to horizontal and more preferably wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects in an axial direction which is horizontal. Feature 14. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 13, wherein - the panel anchor head has an external diameter of at least 20mm, preferably in the range 50mm to 120mm; and - the anchor tube has a length of at least 50mm, preferably in the range 50mm to 150mm. Feature 15. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 14 which is secured to a support structure of a building by respective mechanical fixations arranged in each panel anchor such that a rod of each mechanical fixation is secured to the support structure and the head of each mechanical fixation is retained against the head fixation stop of its respective panel anchor, notably in which the only mechanical fixations by which the ETICS insulation panel is secured to the support structure are the mechanical fixations secured in the aforementioned panel anchors. Feature 16. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with feature 15, wherein the mechanical fixation consists of a screw, and wherein the head of the mechanical fixation is the head of the screw and the rod of the mechanical fixation is the rod of the screw. Feature 17. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with feature 15, wherein the mechanical fixation consists of a screw and a wall plug assembled together, and wherein the head of the mechanical fixation is the head of the assembly of the screw and the wall plug and the rod of the mechanical fixation is the rod formed by the assembly of the screw and the wall plug. Feature 18. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 15 to 17, wherein a portion of the internal anchor bore between the anchor head and the head fixation stop provides a clearance fit with respect to the diameter of the head of the fixation and a portion of the internal anchor bore between the head fixation stop and the anchor tip provides a sliding fit with respect to the diameter of the rod of the fixation. Feature 19. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 15 to 18, wherein - the rod of the mechanical fixation has a length of at least 50mm preferably at least 100mm and less than 400mm preferably less than 300mm. Feature 20. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 15 to 18, wherein the distance between the head fixation stop and anchor tip is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10mm. Feature 21. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 15 to 20, wherein the ETICS insulation panel is arranged to abut a plurality of addition ETICS insulations panels in accordance with any of features 15 to 20 each of which is secured to the support structure of the building. Feature 22. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 14, in which the ETICS insulation panel is arranged in a package comprising a plurality, preferably at least 3, additional ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 14. Feature 23. A pre-assembled panel comprising an ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of features 8 to 14 and a facing layer attached, notably by an adhesive, to the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel, and preferably wherein the facing layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles, and more preferably wherein the facing layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles having a thickness in the range 5mm to 30mm, notably a thickness in the range 10mm to 20 mm. Feature 24. A pre-assembled panel in accordance with feature 23, which is secured to a support structure of a building, and wherein the ETICS panel is an ETICS panel in accordance with any of features 15 to 20. Feature 25. A pre-assembled panel in accordance with feature 24, wherein the preassembled panel is arranged to abut a plurality of addition pre-assembled panels in accordance with feature 24 each of which is secured to the support structure of the building. Feature 26. A pre-assembled panel in accordance with feature 23, in which the preassembled panel is arranged in a package comprising a plurality, preferably at least 3, additional pre-assembled panel in accordance with feature 23. Feature 27. A method of installing an ETICS insulation panel at a support structure of a building, notably a fapade of a building, comprising: - providing a pre-assembled panel comprising an ETICS insulation panel and a facing layer attached on a first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel, the pre-assembled panel comprising a plurality of plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel of the pre-assembled panel, notably at least three plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel of the pre-assembled panel and preferably at least four plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel of the pre-assembled panel; wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongate anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube circumscribing an internal anchor bore, with 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 of which extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube and projects radially outwards from the anchor tube; and a head fixation stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; with the anchor bore communicating with an opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the anchor head; - providing orifices in the facing layer to provide access to mechanical fixations, notably wherein the orifices are provided between adjacent bricks; and subsequently: - inserting a respective mechanical fixation into each of the panel anchors, each mechanical fixation comprising a rod, a head at one end of the rod and a tip at another end of the rod and in which inserting each mechanical fixation comprises inserting the tip of the mechanical fixation sequentially through i) the orifice provided in the facing layer, ii) through the opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the anchor head and iii) into the anchor bore; and - securing the pre-assembled panel to the support structure of the building using the mechanical fixations by arranging a second major surface of the ETICS insulation panel against the support structure and advancing each mechanical fixation such that the rod of each mechanical fixation is secured to the support structure and the head of each mechanical fixation is retained against the head fixation stop of its respective panel anchor. Feature 28. A method in accordance with feature 27, wherein the method further comprises, after the step of securing the pre-assembled panel, subsequently filling each orifice 5 provided in the facing layer with a filler, notably cement or mortar. Feature 29. A method in accordance with any of features 27 to 28, wherein the facing layer is a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles, preferably a layer of facing bricks, tiles or brick tiles having a thickness in the range 5mm to 30mm, notably a thickness in the range 10mm to 20 mm. 10 Feature 30. A method in accordance with any of features 27 to 29, wherein the ETICS insulation panel is made of stone wool. Feature 31. A method in accordance with any of features 27 to 30, further comprising securing a plurality of additional pre-assembled panel at the support structure so as to abut the pre-assembled panel, and in which each additional pre-assembled panel is installed 15 using the method of any of features 27 to 30 Feature 32. A method in accordance with any of features 27 to 31, in which each preassembled panel is a pre-assembled panel in accordance with any of features 23 to 24.

Claims

1. A method of installing an ETICS insulation panel at a support structure of a building, notably a fagade of a building, comprising:- providing an ETICS insulation panel comprising a plurality of plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel, notably at least three plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel and preferably at least four plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel;wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongate anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube circumscribing an internal anchor bore, with 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 of which extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube and projects radially outwards from the anchor tube; and a head fixation stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; with the anchor bore communicating with an opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between a first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the anchor head; and subsequently:- inserting a respective mechanical fixation into each of the panel anchors, each mechanical fixation comprising a rod, a head at one end of the rod and a tip at another end of the rod and in which inserting each mechanical fixation comprises inserting the tip of the mechanical fixation sequentially through the opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and the anchor head and into the anchor bore; and- securing the ETICS insulation panel to the support structure of the building using the mechanical fixations by arranging a second major surface of the ETICS insulation panel against the support structure and advancing each mechanical fixation such that the rod of each mechanical fixation is secured to the support structure and the head of each mechanical fixation is retained against the head fixation stop of its respective panel anchor.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the method further comprises, after the step of securing the ETICS insulation panel, subsequently inserting a respective thermally insulating plug, notably a cylindrical plug of mineral wool, into each opening provided in the ETICS insulation panel between the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel and panel anchor head.

3. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising securing a plurality of additional ETICS insulation panel at the support structure so as to abut theETICS insulation panel, and in which each additional ETICS insulation panel is installed using the method of any of claims 1 to 2.

4. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises subsequently applying a render to cover the entire first major surface of each ETICS insulation panel.

5. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which each ETICS insulation panel is an ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 6 to 14.

6. An ETICS insulation panel comprising a plurality of plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel, notably at least three plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel and preferably at least four plastics panel anchors retained within the ETICS insulation panel;wherein each panel anchor comprises: an elongate anchor tube extending along a panel anchor axis, the anchor tube circumscribing an internal anchor bore, with 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 of which extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube and projects radially outwards from the anchor tube; and a head fixation stop provided along the length of the anchor bore; with the anchor bore communicating with an opening provided in the insulation panel between a first major surface of the insulation panel and the anchor head.

7. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with claim 6, wherein- a first of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a first projection direction,- a second of the two wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube in a second projection direction,and in which an angle between the first projection direction and the second projection measured around the panel anchor axis is in the range 90° to 270°, preferably in the range 120° to 240°, more preferably in the range 170° to 190.

8. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 6 to 7, wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects radially outwards from the anchor tube for a distance which is at least 10mm, preferably at least 15 mm.

9. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 6 to 8, wherein each of the wing-like protrusionsi) extends in an axial direction along the anchor tube for a distance which is at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm and more preferably at least 40 mm; orii) projects in an axial direction which makes an angle of less than 30° with respect to horizontal, preferable an angle of less than 15° with respect to horizontal and more preferably wherein each of the wing-like protrusions projects in an axial direction which is horizontal.

10. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 6 to 9, wherein- the panel anchor head has an external diameter of at least 20mm, preferably in the range 50mm to 120mm; and- the anchor tube has a length of at least 50mm, preferably in the range 50mm to 150mm.

11. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 6 to 10 which is secured to a support structure of a building by respective mechanical fixations arranged in each panel anchor such that a rod of each mechanical fixation is secured to the support structure and the head of each mechanical fixation is retained against the head fixation stop of its respective panel anchor, notably in which the only mechanical fixations by which the ETICS insulation panel is secured to the support structure are the mechanical fixations secured in the aforementioned panel anchors.

12. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with claim 11, wherein the mechanical fixation consists ofi) a screw, and wherein the head of the mechanical fixation is the head of the screw and the rod of the mechanical fixation is the rod of the screw; orii) a screw and a wall plug assembled together, and wherein the head of the mechanical fixation is the head of the assembly of the screw and the wall plug and the rod of the mechanical fixation is the rod formed by the assembly of the screw and the wall plug.

13. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 11 to 12, wherein a portion of the internal anchor bore between the anchor head and the head fixation stop provides a clearance fit with respect to the diameter of the head of the fixation and a portion of the internal anchor bore between the head fixation stop and the anchor tip provides a sliding fit with respect to the diameter of the rod of the fixation.

14. An ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 11 to 13, whereini) the rod of the mechanical fixation has a length of at least 50mm preferably at least 100mm and less than 400mm preferably less than 300mm; orii) the distance between the head fixation stop and anchor tip is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10mm.

15. A pre-assembled panel comprising an ETICS insulation panel in accordance with any of claims 6 to 14 and a layer of facing bricks, tiles, or brick tiles attached, notably by an adhesive, to the first major surface of the ETICS insulation panel.A

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