What is mantolama (external wall insulation) and how is it done? Steps for apartment buildings and detached houses

What exactly does mantolama solve?

The Thermal Insulation Application Guide links cold interior surfaces in uninsulated or poorly insulated buildings, and the resulting condensation, damp and mould risk, to insulation. According to the guide, the inner wall surface temperature should be no more than 3 °C below room air temperature; 20-22 °C and 50% relative humidity are given as an example comfort range.

Mantolama does not solve rain leaks, plumbing leaks or damp rising from the ground. Insulating without identifying the cause of damp in the wall can hide the problem, so work starts with a surface and moisture assessment.

How is the thickness determined?

The guide says the recommended U-values and minimum insulation thickness for each region must be calculated specifically for the building according to the TS 825 standard. The standard defines four climate zones. We could not verify from a readable official source which degree-day zone Muğla falls into; for that reason we do not give a centimetre value for Muğla here. It is settled per building during the survey and in the insulation report.

The press has reported that with the amendments that entered into force in June 2025, cooling load is also included in TS 825 calculations and regional insulation thicknesses were updated (Capital). The amending regulation text also requires the architectural project to be consistent with the thermal insulation report.

Material types and fire class

• EPS, graphite EPS and XPS boards: class E according to TS EN 13501-1
• Stone wool boards: class A (non-combustible)
• Rule from the 2015 fire regulation cited in the guide: on buildings taller than 28.50 m the facade must be A2-s1,d0; on buildings between 6.50 and 28.50 m, class C-s3,d2 material may be used provided there are fire barriers around windows and a 1.5 m non-combustible cladding at ground level
• Documents to ask for: TS 825 compliance, ETICS standards (TS 13499 and TS 13500), CE or G certificate

Installation stages

• Preliminary inspection: assessing the existing condition with a thermal camera and calculation where needed
• Repairing roof, ground and surface defects before insulating
• Erecting scaffolding; removing downpipes, air conditioners and metal frames and refitting them onto the insulated surface
• On mosaic or glass-clad facades, removing the cladding or choosing a suitable adhesive
• Applying the complete system, including boards, anchors, render layer and reinforcement
• The guide also advises that written workmanship and material warranties, daily site supervision and insurance be settled in the contract

Decision and permit in an apartment building

The guide states that the unit owners' decision can be taken by a majority of both number of owners and land share (more than half). On the other hand, Article 19 of the Condominium Law (Kat Mülkiyeti Kanunu) requires written consent of four-fifths for changes to common areas or work that affects the external appearance (text quoted in Court of Cassation rulings). Because the applicable majority can vary with the nature of the work, confirm with the building management or a lawyer before deciding.

The guide reports that a simple repair permit from the municipality (Zoning Law (İmar Kanunu) Art. 21) and a separate scaffolding permit are required. Secondary legal sources report that the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation contains a provision allowing insulation to be done without a permit if carried out by a certified applicator, with at least a 'C' energy performance certificate class and with the unit owners' consent; we recommend confirming the current text with the relevant municipality.