Weathering effects on external wall tiling systems

External wall tiles are subject to severe weathering effects, including wind, rain, moisture and pollutants-attack. However, how is the tiling system affected by the weathering effects is unknown so far. This is probably the first laboratory study on the weathering effects on external wall tile system. The effects of 200 thermal-moisture cycles on two external wall tiling systems are studied in the laboratory. The preliminary results show that the impact of weathering on the shear strength of the tiling system cannot be ignored. The shear strength decreases by more than 50% in the first 100 cycle. Further studies are required to identify the deterioration trend after 200 cycles.