Hello dear forum community,
After visiting several construction companies, the question of the optimal facade system has come up for me—specifically, what are the pros and cons of the different options?
First of all, the goal is to at least meet the KfW55 standard. A simple online search yields the usual advantages and disadvantages of all materials, but I would like to rely on the community’s arguments and experiences. The focus is explicitly not on aesthetic factors like “brick looks much nicer” or similar, but rather on practical experience, risks, and useful information about the different materials.
- In the single-layer category, I have so far only seen a Poroton facade (T7 MW, T8), which at 36.5 cm (14 inches) is quite narrow and is usually finished with an external render or optionally brick veneer.
- For double-layer systems, I was typically shown a naturally thicker facade consisting of aerated concrete, mineral wool insulation, and brick cladding. What we definitely want to avoid is polystyrene insulation.
I realize it’s hard to say that one option is clearly better than the other, but please be so kind as to share your personal opinion and feel free to explain your reasons.
Have a nice evening!
Regards, Rafael
After visiting several construction companies, the question of the optimal facade system has come up for me—specifically, what are the pros and cons of the different options?
First of all, the goal is to at least meet the KfW55 standard. A simple online search yields the usual advantages and disadvantages of all materials, but I would like to rely on the community’s arguments and experiences. The focus is explicitly not on aesthetic factors like “brick looks much nicer” or similar, but rather on practical experience, risks, and useful information about the different materials.
- In the single-layer category, I have so far only seen a Poroton facade (T7 MW, T8), which at 36.5 cm (14 inches) is quite narrow and is usually finished with an external render or optionally brick veneer.
- For double-layer systems, I was typically shown a naturally thicker facade consisting of aerated concrete, mineral wool insulation, and brick cladding. What we definitely want to avoid is polystyrene insulation.
I realize it’s hard to say that one option is clearly better than the other, but please be so kind as to share your personal opinion and feel free to explain your reasons.
Have a nice evening!
Regards, Rafael
From a practical perspective, I consider brick veneer clearly superior because it does not require repainting. Among my friends and family, brick veneer is also not cleaned or maintained in any special way. A rendered facade eventually looks awful and will likely need to be repainted.
@Bieber0815: I’m not an expert, but I would say there are definitely some differences. Moisture generated inside the house is mostly removed through ventilation. A small portion, however, can be absorbed by the plaster and transferred to the wall structure behind it. Thanks to the ventilation gap, any condensate can then drain away. I know we’re talking about small amounts here. However, it is often said that houses insulated with external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) that lack a mechanical ventilation system tend to have poorer indoor air quality. A few days ago, I spoke with a master painter who said that conventional ETICS, in his opinion, are a disaster. The mortar used for fixing is applied only in stripes along the edges and in the middle. Condensate would then form behind this and, over time, lead to significant mold growth.
What Tobias writes is also confirmed by my brother, a master painter. Therefore, if using a single-layer wall, it should be done without external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) or polystyrene boards. This is possible with certain Ytong or Porit blocks. You then have a thick, plastered aerated concrete wall, which is not prone to mold.
Painting the facade after a few years will still be necessary. But honestly, even a brick facade requires maintenance over time. In that case, it’s the mortar joints that can loosen and need repair. Nothing lasts for decades without inspection and upkeep.
Painting the facade after a few years will still be necessary. But honestly, even a brick facade requires maintenance over time. In that case, it’s the mortar joints that can loosen and need repair. Nothing lasts for decades without inspection and upkeep.
K
Knallkörper19 Jan 2017 10:16With brick facades, I see the need for renovation only after at least 30 or 40 years. The standard mortar joint is very durable. However, a splash guard strip with gravel is essential.
Knallkörper schrieb:
[...] A gravel splash guard strip is mandatory.May I ask what exactly that is? Is it a gravel strip around the house to prevent rainwater from splashing soil onto the walls?
K
Knallkörper19 Jan 2017 12:49Kaspatoo schrieb:
What is that, if I may ask? A gravel strip around the house to prevent rainwater dripping down from splashing soil onto the wall?Yes. Exactly.
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