Clinker Insulation Panel — What It’s Made Of and How It Works

A clinker insulation panel is a prefabricated element that combines two functions: a thermal insulation layer that reduces heat loss and a clinker tile that provides a durable exterior finish. Both layers are bonded together at the factory.

Panel Construction

Take a look inside the system

The thickness of the EPS layer is selected on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of building and the required thermal parameters. The system is available in 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm thicknesses. In unheated buildings, a thinner layer may be sufficient, whereas in year-round homes, its thickness should be determined based on thermal calculations and the design.

A clinker tile made from clay and fired at a high temperature. It is frost-resistant and resistant to moisture and UV radiation. It does not require painting or refinishing.

The tile is embedded in the thermal insulation layer at the factory during the manufacturing process. This ensures that the connection is repeatable and controlled.

Installation Conditions

We determine this prior to delivery. Installation work may also be carried out outside the summer season, provided that the requirements specified in the installation instructions and material data sheets are met. At temperatures below +5°C, certain work, particularly bonding and grouting, may be limited or not possible. We verify the conditions for installation prior to delivery.

DIY Installation

For smaller structures, such as a garage, utility building, or gazebo, installation can be performed by a person with the appropriate skills and tools. We provide detailed installation instructions and technical support. The work must be performed in accordance with the THERMIOPLUS system documentation.

Installation Warranty

The five-year warranty on the work performed is valid only if the installation was carried out by ARKOSPLUS Sp. z o.o. or an authorized contractor. This warranty does not cover defects resulting from self-installation. The warranty for the panels is provided in accordance with the terms set forth in separate warranty terms and conditions.

Comparison of Parameters

ThermioPlus vs. a traditional ETICS system with plaster

Both solutions improve a building's thermal insulation, but they differ in terms of construction method, the appearance of the facade, and the scope of future maintenance.

Parameter	THERMIOPLUS Clinker Panels	Traditional ETICS system with plaster
System Build-Up	The prefabricated panel combines EPS thermal insulation with a factory-attached clinker tile.	A system applied in layers on-site: adhesive, insulation, fasteners, reinforced base coat, primer, and plaster.
Scope of Work on the Construction Site	Installation includes substrate preparation, adhesive bonding of the panels, mechanical fastening, grouting, and finishing corners, reveals, the plinth and flashings.	Each layer is applied sequentially to the facade, including embedding the mesh, priming, and plastering.
Installation Time	Usually fewer installation steps and technological waiting periods, because the clinker tile is already factory-bonded to the insulation.	More steps and the time needed for each layer to set and dry.
Wet work	Limited Number of wet processes. Adhesive bonding and grouting are still performed.	More wet work: bonding, applying a reinforced base coat, priming, and applying plaster.
Installation Conditions	Installation must be carried out in accordance with the THERMIOPLUS instructions and the requirements of the adhesive and grout manufacturers, on a dry and frost-free substrate.	It requires suitable temperatures, a dry substrate, and protection from rain, strong winds and intense sunlight.
Facade Finishing	A clinker tile is part of a panel. After installation, the joints are grouted and any necessary facade details are added.	Thin-coat plaster is a separate finishing layer applied directly on-site.
Appearance	A natural clinker brick look, available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns.	A very wide selection of plaster colors and textures, particularly well-suited for smooth, minimalist facades.
Thermal insulation	It depends on the type, the λ value, and the thickness of the EPS, the continuity of the insulation, and the quality of the installation.	It depends on the specifications and thickness of the insulation, the continuity of the layer, and the proper installation of the entire system.
Surface resistance	The hard clinker surface withstands daily use well. The durability of the entire system depends on proper installation and attention to detail.	Thin-coat plaster may be more susceptible to scratches, localized impacts, and dirt.
Maintenance	Clinker typically does not require periodic painting. The facade should be inspected and, if necessary, cleaned, and the grout, sealants, and trim should be repaired.	The facade requires inspection and cleaning. Over time, it may be necessary to repair cracks, remove biological contaminants, or repaint it.
Repairing Damage	Depending on the type of damage, it is possible to repair the grout, the tile, or a section of the system in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.	Spot repairs are possible, but differences in the color or texture of the plaster may remain visible.
Site Cleanliness During Installation	Fewer materials are prepared directly on-site, but drilling, cutting, gluing, and grouting are still required.	More mortar and additional layers applied on scaffolding, which usually results in more waste and mess.
Installation Requirements	It requires a trained team familiar with the principles of panel layout, anchoring, grouting, and finishing details.	It requires an experienced ETICS team, especially when applying the reinforced base coat and the plaster.
Project Cost	The cost includes thermal insulation and the finished clinker cladding. It should be compared to a complete clinker facade, not just to plaster.	Typically, the initial cost is lower, especially with basic plaster, but it lacks the look of a clinker facade.
Best Use	For investors looking to combine thermal insulation with a clinker facade and minimize the number of layers installed on-site.	For investors looking for a cost-effective plastered facade with a very wide selection of colors.

These are approximate figures based on market practice. We select the exact specifications on a case-by-case basis for each building.

What sets THERMIOPLUS apart?

THERMIOPLUS combines a thermal insulation layer with factory-installed clinker cladding. This eliminates the traditional reinforced base coat, priming and exterior render on site. The system still requires proper substrate preparation, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, grouting and careful execution of all details.

The actual installation time, cost, and specifications of the facade depend on the building's surface area, the condition of the substrate, the thickness of the insulation, the chosen finish, weather conditions, and the quality of workmanship.

Comparison

When should you choose which system?

Choose Clinker Insulation Panels If:

Do you want to insulate and finish the building using a single system?
you want a shorter installation time
you do not want to repaint the facade every few years
Do you want flexibility regarding the installation date?
you are considering self-installation on a smaller structure

Traditional insulation — if:

your initial budget is limited
you want a smooth, rendered finish
you want a wide choice of render colors and textures
you already have a trusted insulation team
the work will be carried out during the summer season