ᐅ Insulating a Sand-Lime Brick Wall / Upgrading the Construction for Energy Efficiency

DieScholz´ens schrieb:
when we remove these wooden panels, we can see the calcium silicate bricks

That puzzles me somewhat, since the description in

DieScholz´ens schrieb:
Exterior wall 36.5cm (14.4 inches) brick masonry with an outer calcium silicate brick facing as visible masonry—interior plastered

suggests that bricks should be visible on the inside. Unless you looked inside a window reveal, where the outer shell might extend around. As I interpret the plans, a layer of calcium silicate bricks was built on the outside (one brick thick) and a layer of bricks on the inside (one brick thick), combined without separation (and without an air gap) between them, likely tied together with wall ties. So thermally, it functions as a monolithic wall, though not homogeneous.

The wooden panels were likely added later, and judging by the quality shown in the example photo, they appear relatively recent. Since the bricks in this wall assembly are likely solid bricks, a previous owner was probably dissatisfied at some point with the insulation value of the exterior walls (and I expect this modification only on those exterior walls not adjoining another terraced house).

For insulation purposes, this only makes sense if behind the panels, probably between battens, insulation boards or mats are installed (the wooden panels alone do not provide any insulation). Electrical outlets were probably moved forward to the new wall surface, meaning that when removing the outlet boxes, the supporting structure behind the cladding should become visible.

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

Yes, I checked the corner near the window, and it looked like this limestone... but since the great wooden panel construction will be removed, it’s back to the original state as in the building plan. What type of insulation makes sense here, and what should I pay attention to in order to prevent condensation issues or keep them as minimal as possible?

The base is the brick wall...

DieScholz´ens schrieb:
Yes, I checked at the corner by the window, and it looked like this limestone.

I suspect that the outer layer also lines the reveals. Furthermore, my guess is that there is a wall bond running continuously through both building materials, probably in a 2DF pattern with solid bricks. More details will become clear once the wall is stripped down. Only after identifying the exact type of brick can the insulation requirements be determined more precisely. However, these aspects cannot be considered in isolation; insulation, ventilation, and windows must be evaluated together. What about the windows: are they still original, and made of wood?

Given the similar design and age of the neighboring houses, it would be worthwhile to talk to the neighbors. They have likely already worked on their properties and may have found answers to your questions, clarifying the state of the building fabric.

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

Hello,

Yes, the windows still have the original mahogany frames. However, the glazing has already been replaced, so we originally wanted to wait and see how the budget develops (I still have the water pipes in mind). Most of the neighbors still have the old windows (the neighborhood is only now slowly renewing them with the new generation).

Our immediate neighbors have just replaced everything, and I also got a brochure from the company they used. I would like to have wooden windows again or wood/aluminum frames (I don’t find vinyl visually appealing). I would prefer floor-to-ceiling windows; currently, the windows are complete wooden modules, meaning there is only wood below the window, no masonry.

What does the energy consultant or building savings contract say? Especially since certain deadlines and obligations arise due to a change of ownership.

What do you mean by deadlines and obligations,