Paper presents one of the first popular technologies widely used in Poland for upgrading thermal resistance of facades in multi family housing buildings made with the use of non traditional technology. As a reaction to more restrict requirements of energy consumption, it became popular in 1980s years of the last century due to its material and technological simplicity resulting in relatively low construction costs.

The idea of External Thermal Insulating Dry System (ETIDS) consist in adding to existing facade insulating sheets covered by external layer panels with structural frame, and fixing it to original wall structure. Although system was developed as an original idea, it was based on commonly available materials. It was especially dedicated to improve the thermal insulation of pre-cast external walls in the large panel building technologies – the most popular technology of multi dwelling building in Poland.

Description of the system contains basic data of system elements, installing technology, details and performance with pointed out impact of the refurbishment action with ETIDS system on sustainability topics

Specification of ETIDS is complemented with examples of typical applications.