ᐅ Skepticism Regarding External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) on New Multi-Family Residential Buildings
Created on: 6 Mar 2015 22:02
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werschtl
Hello dear forum,
I would like to ask for some advice. We have purchased a condominium that is currently under construction as a new build. However, the more I learn about the construction methods, the more concerned I become. Especially regarding insulation, it can be quite alarming when following all these documents. With regard to External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), you have the choice between bad and worse from one developer to another in our city.
In our case, the company enjoys a good reputation for quality and can refer to numerous references. The exterior walls are made of 20cm (8 inches) thick Silka-Ytong blocks and are then covered with 15cm (6 inches) thick STO polystyrene panels. Since our unit is being built with a penthouse character, there are numerous exterior walls in the kitchen, bedroom, and hallway. The north-facing facade (without windows) has only a 3m (10 feet) gap to the neighboring building. My concern is that due to this small distance, increased moisture accumulation on the wall surface could occur, potentially leading to heating problems or mold issues early on. Most construction companies working on similar projects use this type of build. Since the new regulation from 2014, even brick buildings are being covered with this plastic layer. In my view, this is a disaster. Probably, the indoor climate in such an apartment will be far from that of an older building.
Ideally, we would like to reverse the purchase.
Who has experience or knowledge about this type of construction? How many years might it take before serious problems arise?
Good luck
Frank
I would like to ask for some advice. We have purchased a condominium that is currently under construction as a new build. However, the more I learn about the construction methods, the more concerned I become. Especially regarding insulation, it can be quite alarming when following all these documents. With regard to External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), you have the choice between bad and worse from one developer to another in our city.
In our case, the company enjoys a good reputation for quality and can refer to numerous references. The exterior walls are made of 20cm (8 inches) thick Silka-Ytong blocks and are then covered with 15cm (6 inches) thick STO polystyrene panels. Since our unit is being built with a penthouse character, there are numerous exterior walls in the kitchen, bedroom, and hallway. The north-facing facade (without windows) has only a 3m (10 feet) gap to the neighboring building. My concern is that due to this small distance, increased moisture accumulation on the wall surface could occur, potentially leading to heating problems or mold issues early on. Most construction companies working on similar projects use this type of build. Since the new regulation from 2014, even brick buildings are being covered with this plastic layer. In my view, this is a disaster. Probably, the indoor climate in such an apartment will be far from that of an older building.
Ideally, we would like to reverse the purchase.
Who has experience or knowledge about this type of construction? How many years might it take before serious problems arise?
Good luck
Frank
Bauexperte schrieb:
Not necessarily ... there is no processed petroleum in my closet 😉
Regards, BauexperteNot even a polyester filling?
@werschtl: The insulation system ETICS is not new. Eventually, everyone encounters the information videos and reports. However, there is no need to exaggerate it – that’s my opinion!
And: you could have informed yourself in time. Mold should only occur if ventilation is done incorrectly; otherwise, the insulation works as intended.
What I find worse is the large amount of packaged cheap meat in supermarkets. And I am not the only one who, after watching an informational video, finds everything disgusting but ends up buying it a couple of weeks later. Every coin has two sides!
And: you could have informed yourself in time. Mold should only occur if ventilation is done incorrectly; otherwise, the insulation works as intended.
What I find worse is the large amount of packaged cheap meat in supermarkets. And I am not the only one who, after watching an informational video, finds everything disgusting but ends up buying it a couple of weeks later. Every coin has two sides!
B
Bauexperte7 Mar 2015 11:30No, not at all. Because of mine, no polyester creatures have to die ;-)
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
Thank you,
yes, informing yourself early is certainly the right approach, but getting all the necessary information beforehand is rather unrealistic. The real eye-opener for me was attending a specialized seminar for homeowners, where we received very competent information about building materials. In other words, you really grow into the topic. The fact is, looking ahead, insulation made from future hazardous waste is a concern—right now, the lobby benefits and profits from it, fully aware that in a few years, property owners will be forced to pay high costs to dispose of this hazardous waste. It’s perverse and environmentally damaging to produce insulation materials that are harmful to the environment, supposedly to protect it.
I can imagine there will be mandatory requirements again, maybe insulation using clay and straw??? Those who can afford it will build with bricks, plaster it, and be done with it, ignoring government incentives like KfW funding. Unfortunately, I am not affected by this support. At the moment, my alternative would be to continue renting in an older building.
Good luck Frank
yes, informing yourself early is certainly the right approach, but getting all the necessary information beforehand is rather unrealistic. The real eye-opener for me was attending a specialized seminar for homeowners, where we received very competent information about building materials. In other words, you really grow into the topic. The fact is, looking ahead, insulation made from future hazardous waste is a concern—right now, the lobby benefits and profits from it, fully aware that in a few years, property owners will be forced to pay high costs to dispose of this hazardous waste. It’s perverse and environmentally damaging to produce insulation materials that are harmful to the environment, supposedly to protect it.
I can imagine there will be mandatory requirements again, maybe insulation using clay and straw??? Those who can afford it will build with bricks, plaster it, and be done with it, ignoring government incentives like KfW funding. Unfortunately, I am not affected by this support. At the moment, my alternative would be to continue renting in an older building.
Good luck Frank
werschtl schrieb:
From my point of view, this is looking into the future. Thermal insulation made from future hazardous waste—right now the lobby is profiting, already fully aware that in a few years the owner will be forced to pay high costs to dispose of this hazardous waste.
Good luck, FrankI never understand where these concerns come from. If the insulation is installed correctly by professionals, there is generally no need to dispose of anything. So why do disposal costs always come up?
EveundGerd8 Mar 2015 08:41Because either some companies did not work properly or this type of insulation is not future-proof. This led to several older buildings here having to remove their oil-based exterior insulation after just five years.
The facades looked terrible. As for the indoor climate, I cannot say since I have not been inside these apartments since then.
Whether it’s meat, vegetables, or houses with an oil-based exterior… it is neither environmentally friendly nor necessary! The consequences are still unpredictable today. But the lobby doesn’t care. They make a lot of money from it…
If it can be avoided, why build with ETICS (external thermal insulation composite systems) / external wall insulation?
I am curious when the EU will ban this type of insulation.
The facades looked terrible. As for the indoor climate, I cannot say since I have not been inside these apartments since then.
Whether it’s meat, vegetables, or houses with an oil-based exterior… it is neither environmentally friendly nor necessary! The consequences are still unpredictable today. But the lobby doesn’t care. They make a lot of money from it…
If it can be avoided, why build with ETICS (external thermal insulation composite systems) / external wall insulation?
I am curious when the EU will ban this type of insulation.
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