ETICS Accessories and Anchors: Sika Profiles and Fixings

Q: Is a mechanical anchor always needed in an ETICS system?

It depends on the building's height, wind exposure, and substrate type; check with the technical project or a specialized installer.

Q: Why use a PVC corner profile instead of metal?

PVC doesn't rust or corrode over time, making it more durable at corners exposed to moisture.

Q: Is the starter track mandatory in an ETICS system?

Yes, it marks the horizontal start of the system and protects the base of the insulation; it's a standard part of any ETICS installation.

Quick answer: an ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System) relies on auxiliary parts that, while they may seem secondary, are what ensure the insulation doesn't shift or get damaged over time. Sika manufactures these anchors and profiles: the starter track marks the beginning of the system at the base of the façade, mechanical anchors reinforce the fixing of the insulation panel beyond the adhesive, and the PVC corner profile protects the render's edges from impacts.

Starter Track: The Base of the System

SikaWall®-9261 Starter Track is a metal profile installed at the bottom of the façade, marking the boundary between the plinth and the start of the ETICS system. It's the first piece installed, before the insulation panel itself, and serves as a horizontal guide for the entire course.

Mechanical Anchors: Reinforcement Beyond the Adhesive

Product	Function
Sikatherm®-900 ISO Anchor	Standard expansion plug for fixing the insulation panel to the base wall, complementing the adhesive
Sikatherm®-906 STRU Anchor	Higher structural demand anchor, for walls or situations where the adhesive and standard anchor aren't enough

The cementitious adhesive fixes the insulation panel to the wall, but on façades exposed to strong wind, great height, or unreliable substrates, the mechanical anchor adds extra fixing that doesn't rely on bonding alone.

PVC Corner Profile

SikaWall®-9301 PVC Corner Profile is a corner bead embedded in the corner mortar to keep it perfectly straight and protected from impacts. Unlike a metal profile, PVC doesn't rust, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a mechanical anchor always needed in an ETICS system?

It depends on the project: the building's height, wind exposure, and substrate type determine whether the adhesive alone is sufficient or whether the project requires additional mechanical anchoring. Always check the technical project or consult an installer specialized in ETICS.

Why use a PVC corner profile instead of metal?

PVC doesn't rust or corrode over time, unlike some untreated metal profiles, making it more durable at corners exposed to moisture.

Is the starter track mandatory in an ETICS system?

Yes, it's the piece that marks the horizontal start of the system and protects the base of the insulation from ground or plinth moisture; it's a standard part of any ETICS installation.

Need advice on your façade project? Our technical team can guide you.