ᐅ Comparison of Internal and External Insulation: Is External Insulation Significantly Better?
Created on: 7 Oct 2022 19:45
K
karl.jonas
I am going to renovate a roughly 100-year-old four-sided farmstead. I love the old bricks and would like to keep them on the main house, which currently has no insulation at all. However, I am starting to have doubts. Based on the information I have gathered so far, exterior insulation is significantly more practical, easier, less expensive, and more durable than retrofitting interior insulation. Is this correct?
If so, after insulating, the facade would probably end up as a classic smooth finish (unless I add another, costly brick wall in front).
Best regards,
Karl
If so, after insulating, the facade would probably end up as a classic smooth finish (unless I add another, costly brick wall in front).
Best regards,
Karl
K
karl.jonas7 Oct 2022 20:43@SoL yes, those are exactly my current thoughts as well (and I feel your pain).
I understand that, but after adding internal or external insulation, that wouldn’t be the case anymore. However, I probably shouldn’t put anything in front of the wall heating (right?). I have plenty of ceiling height, but I can’t yet estimate how much work it will be to install underfloor heating beneath the plank floor later on. I’m likely willing to accept that effort since it’s for the next 100 years.
Myrna_Loy schrieb:
In an uninsulated older building, you shouldn’t place anything against the exterior walls either
I understand that, but after adding internal or external insulation, that wouldn’t be the case anymore. However, I probably shouldn’t put anything in front of the wall heating (right?). I have plenty of ceiling height, but I can’t yet estimate how much work it will be to install underfloor heating beneath the plank floor later on. I’m likely willing to accept that effort since it’s for the next 100 years.
SumsumBiene7 Oct 2022 20:52Friends of ours have an old farmhouse from 1880. When they bought it about 40 years ago, they insulated the interior walls. They also installed triple-glazed windows a few years ago and have underfloor heating. They have had no mold issues at all.
Are you familiar with the videos from the Energy Saving Commissioner? He has discussed this topic as well, and his assessment was quite positive.
Are you familiar with the videos from the Energy Saving Commissioner? He has discussed this topic as well, and his assessment was quite positive.
K
karl.jonas7 Oct 2022 20:57SumsumBiene schrieb:
Are you familiar with the videos from the Energy Saving Commissioner?No. Thank you very much, I will take a look.
SumsumBiene schrieb:
Are you familiar with the videos by the Energy Saving Inspector?I was just about to recommend those as well; the explanations are clear.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
K
karl.jonas8 Oct 2022 00:11I am currently listening to the energy-saving expert’s episode "Interior Insulation II." It says that even with interior insulation, the exterior facade of an old brick wall should be rendered or covered with a cladding (to prevent water from entering the gaps). So, the facade will definitely be damaged. Therefore, it makes sense not to keep the old brick wall visible.
Hi! We installed internal insulation. Beforehand, I spent a lot of time researching the topics of the facade, condensation, and costs before we decided on a system.
We have a 120-year-old rubble stone house, and fully covering the facade would have been sacrilegious. The key factor was how the insulation handles the inevitable condensation within the wall. In my opinion, there are three options: attached calcium silicate boards, a brick veneer with Poroton blocks, or wood fiber boards. The first two require a flat surface, whereas wood fiber boards do not necessarily need this—they are fixed with plugs and also compensate for unevenness. Calcium silicate boards are the premium solution. All three insulation types absorb moisture during the winter and release it slowly in summer.
For various reasons, we chose the wood fiber boards and installed and plastered them ourselves, making it the most cost-effective option. Additionally, the manufacturer offers a 10-year mold-free guarantee. With both calcium silicate and Poroton, we would have had to have the walls replastered first, which would have added several thousand dollars more.
It is important to consider individual details such as window reveals, connections to interior walls, surface/vapor barrier, etc., which should be discussed with a qualified energy consultant.
We have a 120-year-old rubble stone house, and fully covering the facade would have been sacrilegious. The key factor was how the insulation handles the inevitable condensation within the wall. In my opinion, there are three options: attached calcium silicate boards, a brick veneer with Poroton blocks, or wood fiber boards. The first two require a flat surface, whereas wood fiber boards do not necessarily need this—they are fixed with plugs and also compensate for unevenness. Calcium silicate boards are the premium solution. All three insulation types absorb moisture during the winter and release it slowly in summer.
For various reasons, we chose the wood fiber boards and installed and plastered them ourselves, making it the most cost-effective option. Additionally, the manufacturer offers a 10-year mold-free guarantee. With both calcium silicate and Poroton, we would have had to have the walls replastered first, which would have added several thousand dollars more.
It is important to consider individual details such as window reveals, connections to interior walls, surface/vapor barrier, etc., which should be discussed with a qualified energy consultant.
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