ETICS scaffolding: requirements, width classes & brackets at a glance
Anyone wishing to fit a building with an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) faces a logistical and safety-related challenge: the scaffolding must be stable, must not hinder the façade work, and must at the same time provide maximum protection for the tradespeople. Standard scaffolding quickly reaches its limits in this context. In this guide, find out everything you need to know about the legal requirements, the appropriate width classes and the essential use of brackets in ETICS scaffolding.
Specific requirements for ETICS scaffolding
Scaffolding for façade insulation must be planned in a fundamentally different way to scaffolding used solely for painting. As insulation boards, reinforcement mortar and external render significantly alter the wall thickness, special rules apply in accordance with DIN EN 12811 and the guidelines of BG Bau.
1. The distance from the wall:
Der maximale Abstand zwischen der Belagkante des Gerüsts und der fertigen Fassade darf maximal 30 cm betragen. Wird dieser Abstand überschritten (z. B. vor dem Anbringen der Dämmung), muss ein innenliegender Seitenschutz (Geländer) angebracht werden, um Abstürze zu verhindern.
2. Load-bearing capacity (load classes):
Für WDVS-Arbeiten ist in der Regel mindestens die Lastklasse 3 (200 kg/m²) vorgeschrieben. Das Gewicht von Dämmstoffpaketen, Kleber und Werkzeug erfordert eine ausreichende Traglast.
3. Anchoring:
As the anchors pass through the insulation layer into the masonry, special, extended ETICS scaffolding anchors must be used. Once the scaffolding has been dismantled, these holes are sealed with special insulation plugs to prevent thermal bridges.
Width classes in accordance with DIN EN 12811–1
The width of the scaffolding deck is crucial for working safely. As the insulation takes up space, the scaffolding must be designed to be wide enough from the outset. The DIN EN 12811-1 standard classifies scaffolding into width classes (W).
The following classes have proved their worth in practice for ETICS work:
Brackets on ETICS scaffolding: Indispensable aids
As the distance to the wall gradually decreases as the insulation is fitted, scaffolders use what are known as scaffold brackets (also referred to as bracket elements).
Internal consoles (0.30 m or 0.36 m):
At the start of the work (shell construction/existing building without insulation), the gap between the wall and the work area is often too large (> 30 cm). In such cases, internal brackets with decks are installed. As soon as the insulation is fitted and space becomes more limited, the decks on the brackets can be removed floor by floor.
Avoiding trip hazards:
Thanks to the flexible use of brackets, the work area always remains flush with and securely attached to the work front.
Checklist: What you need to bear in mind when planning scaffolding for ETICS
- Check load class: Is the scaffolding designed to withstand at least 200 kg/m² (load class 3)?
- Select width class: Was the thickness of the insulation material taken into account when selecting the width class (recommendation: W 09)?
- Comply with the 30 cm rule: Is the distance from the wall less than 30 cm at any stage of the work, or is it secured by an internal guardrail?
- Using special anchors: Do you have ETICS permanent anchors and the matching cover caps to hand?
- Planning for brackets: Are there enough compensation brackets to allow for flexible dismantling?
Conclusion: Safety and efficiency through proper planning
Ein WDVS-Gerüst ist kein Standardgerüst von der Stange. Die Kombination aus der richtigen Breitenklasse (meist W 09), dem cleveren Einsatz von Konsolen und der strikten Einhaltung der Unfallverhütungsvorschriften garantiert einen reibungslosen und sicheren Ablauf der Fassadendämmung. Sparen Sie nicht an der Gerüstbreite - ein sicherer Stand ist das Fundament für ein perfektes Gewerk. CETRAC stellt passende WDVS-Pakete (W 09, Lastklasse 3, inkl. Konsolen) aus geprüftem Gebrauchtmaterial zusammen. Lieferung in 24 bis 48 h deutschlandweit.
Click here for instructions on how to erect scaffolding correctly:
Putting up scaffolding: Instructions
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ETICS scaffolding
Der Abstand zwischen der Innenkante des Gerüstbelags und der fertigen Fassade darf laut den Vorgaben der BG Bau maximal 30 cm betragen. Da sich dieser Abstand durch das Anbringen der Dämmplatten verändert, müssen vorab Innenkonsolen genutzt oder ein innenliegender Seitenschutz (Geländer) montiert werden, solange der Abstand zu groß ist.
Für Arbeiten mit Wärmedämmverbundsystemen ist in der Regel mindestens die Lastklasse 3 nach DIN EN 12811 vorgeschrieben. Diese garantiert eine Tragfähigkeit von 200 kg/m², was notwendig ist, da Dämmstoffpakete, Werkzeuge, Kleber und Armierungsmörtel ein hohes Eigengewicht aufweisen.
Die Praxis zeigt, dass die Breitenklasse W 09 (Mindestbreite des Belags von 90 cm) die beste Wahl für WDVS-Arbeiten ist. Sie bietet selbst nach dem Aufbringen dicker Dämmschichten noch genügend Bewegungsfreiheit für die Handwerker und ausreichend Platz für die Materiallagerung.
Scaffolding brackets allow the working platform to be flexibly extended inwards (towards the wall) or retracted. As the façade ‘moves closer’ during the course of the work due to the insulation, the deck can always be optimally adjusted to the required wall clearance of less than 30 cm by gradually retracting the brackets.
Special, extended ETICS permanent anchors must be used, which are anchored deep enough into the load-bearing masonry. Once the scaffolding has been dismantled, the remaining holes are sealed with insulation plugs (cylinders) compatible with the system and then plastered over to prevent irreversible thermal bridges and moisture damage.