Exterior walls covering system to improve thermal performance and increase service life of walls in rehabilitation interventions

•The development of a new multilayer wall covering element is presented.•The application of the developed elements is relatively easy and feasible.•Elements' air permeability allows high air flow rate helping drying process of walls.•Elements improve buildings' energy efficiency and reduce HVAC energy consumption.

The main objective of the current study was to develop a product for wall coverings that would allow an easy application, in particular for building rehabilitation, and the walls' protection improving buildings' energy efficiency.A multilayer panel was developed, with two different decorative finishes. The panel is applied by bonding with a mortar fixative to the walls. The performance assessment test allowed to verify that these covering panels are easy to apply and improve buildings' energy efficiency.Some fragilities were pointed out. Although, it was possible to conclude that this solution is viable in terms of production and application.