ᐅ Lightweight concrete with infill? The dilemma of choosing the right masonry system
Created on: 31 Mar 2019 12:12
K
Kevinius
Hello,
we are planning to build a new single-family house and are currently in the selection phase regarding the type of block.
Our current favorite is the Liapor SL Plus with a thickness of 36.5 cm (14.4 inches).
However, since this block is not commonly used in our area (Saarland), our research so far has shown that it is sold at a relatively high price and that few masons have experience working with it.
Some masons / construction managers have also advised against blocks with filler, as they are said to be less or not at all vapor permeable, which could cause moisture to move from the filler inward over time, resulting in stains on plaster or wallpaper. This seems rather far-fetched to me?!
Besides thermal insulation, we also place great importance on soundproofing, but we definitely want to build monolithically—so no external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) / external wall insulation.
What other options do we have in this regard?
Aerated concrete seems to be ruled out.
Clay blocks (Poroton) are probably problematic when it comes to drilling holes and fixing things.
We would very much appreciate any suggestions on this topic.
Best regards
we are planning to build a new single-family house and are currently in the selection phase regarding the type of block.
Our current favorite is the Liapor SL Plus with a thickness of 36.5 cm (14.4 inches).
However, since this block is not commonly used in our area (Saarland), our research so far has shown that it is sold at a relatively high price and that few masons have experience working with it.
Some masons / construction managers have also advised against blocks with filler, as they are said to be less or not at all vapor permeable, which could cause moisture to move from the filler inward over time, resulting in stains on plaster or wallpaper. This seems rather far-fetched to me?!
Besides thermal insulation, we also place great importance on soundproofing, but we definitely want to build monolithically—so no external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) / external wall insulation.
What other options do we have in this regard?
Aerated concrete seems to be ruled out.
Clay blocks (Poroton) are probably problematic when it comes to drilling holes and fixing things.
We would very much appreciate any suggestions on this topic.
Best regards
Aerated concrete is definitely an option. Just look up Ytong. You’ll find the 36.5 cm (14.4 inch) blocks, which allow for monolithic walls that easily comply with energy-saving regulations. Hansabeton and Porith also produce similar blocks. We built this way in 2017. Everything went well. It’s standard practice here. K.
If you want a monolithic structure, it either works through air pockets and thus low mass = poor sound insulation, or with filled Poroton blocks that contain mineral wool and therefore have somewhat more mass. Like all building materials, there are pros and cons. Mineral wool does not tolerate moisture and compresses over time. You also need to be aware that monolithic construction can be significantly more expensive depending on the region.
If soundproofing is your primary concern, you will need to build either a double-layer wall with calcium silicate bricks or calcium silicate bricks plus external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS). Monolithic walls with standard thickness do not provide effective sound insulation.
The question is whether you really need "good" soundproofing. Is there an airport or railway tracks nearby?
The question is whether you really need "good" soundproofing. Is there an airport or railway tracks nearby?
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