PROJECTS

The construction sector recognizes that render coating products (base coat and finishing layer) that have been applied to traditional masonry are more prone to develop pathologies sooner when applied over thermal solutions. These pathologies are usually related to the action of atmospheric agents and the behavior of the construction system in different environmental conditions.

This application presents a project with potentially high economic value. It focuses on optimizing new solutions for render coatings to be applied over thermal mortars and outside thermal insulation solutions, which minimize the risk of the early development of pathologies. First, buildings with pathologies were instrumented with a view to identifying the critical factors inherent to the development of the pathologies in question.

Climatic and bioclimatic chambers were used to recreate in the laboratory the environmental conditions that favor the development of such pathologies. These chambers were then used to develop and assess the performance of new coatings that vary, particularly with regard to the formulation of the base and finishing coat. In this way, Argacol and Secil Martingança provided a new segment of render coatings for application over thermal solutions. Commercial success will be promoted by demonstrating the specifications of the new products and by establishing rules for their use.

The project was carried out in a consortium consisting of Argacol, a company with long experience in the manufacture and marketing of paints and varnishes, Secil Martingança, a company offering a wide range of thermal solutions, and Itecons, a research and innovation systems institution geared to the development of new materials and construction systems.