ᐅ Aerated Concrete / Brick / Monolithic Construction – Who Has Experience?

OFFTOPIC:
Well, I believe the original poster should decide for themselves whether they need the information or not. However, I agree with you that too much redundancy is not helpful.

I would argue that it is hardly avoidable. Not everyone has been involved for years or reads every thread. Expecting everyone to have read every previous thread to avoid repetition is unrealistic.

So, the bad news for you is that you will have to accept that information will be repeated.

Of course, we could ask you before every post if the information has already been shared somewhere or have you approve each post... but do you really want that?!

ruppsn schrieb:
Of course, we could ask you before every post whether the information has already been shared somewhere or have you approve the post... but do you really want that?!

*LOL* As for me, I try to avoid repetitions by referring to threads where either I have already provided a detailed answer myself or others have given explanations that go beyond the specific case. I also encourage using the search function. And thirdly, I do my best—not always successfully—to stay close to the question asked (in this case roughly: what is this and can it be done without concerns).

ruppsn schrieb:
So here’s the bad news for you—you’ll have to live with the fact that information will be repeated.

The bad news would rather be if my information became too redundant—which for some it already is at times.

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Thank you all for your responses! By the way, I did use the search function but couldn’t find anything suitable for my situation. I’m also a complete beginner, so it’s possible that I simply didn’t recognize the right information.

It was already helpful for me to learn that there are differences in materials regarding thermal and sound insulation.

Initially, I just wrote “brick,” but now I realize that wasn’t accurate. The specification (which hardly says anything by the way and has to be defined individually) states:

“Solid Poroton or limestone masonry according to structural engineering and thermal insulation verification. To meet the insulation requirements according to the Energy Saving Ordinance, Lücking Planziegel W9 or better (according to the energy performance certificate calculation) will be used for the exterior walls. Ceiling above the ground floor in reinforced concrete according to structural calculation.”

This confuses me somehow… Brick? Poroton? Limestone brick?
Is the specified material good?

Häuslebauer24 schrieb:
The performance specification (which frankly says almost nothing,

You just don’t understand it. From the provider’s perspective, that’s actually a feature of the specification—it helps them understand it better than the customer.

Häuslebauer24 schrieb:
for the exterior walls, Lücking plan bricks W9 or better (according to the energy performance certificate calculation) will be used. [...]
This confuses me somehow... bricks? Poroton? Sand-lime brick?
Is the one mentioned good?

Poroton is a trade name of a manufacturer of aerated bricks, while Lücking is probably a smaller producer. Plan blocks are bricks that, unlike traditional bricks laid on a mortar bed about a finger’s thickness, are installed on a very thin joint similar to tile installation. Because they must be more even (flat), they are called plan blocks. This applies regardless of the brick material. The bricks come in different grades, classified by compressive strength (for example, higher strength is needed where window lintels rest) and by thermal transmittance values. Here, the builder assumes W9 and only selects a higher grade where calculations show compliance with the energy saving regulations (Energy Saving Ordinance) would otherwise not be met. Within the same class, the bricks are basically equivalent; he likely buys from Lücking because it’s cheaper than Wienerberger. Sound insulation is influenced by both the construction and the material, and it’s important to distinguish between airborne and impact sound. Every type of brick has advocates and detractors, which tends to confuse rather than enlighten an untrained person. Take comfort in knowing that no brick is either an ideal brick or a disaster brick. They have differences, but ultimately no more than wines. Personally, I find sand-lime brick somewhat more than equal, but also a bit like casting pearls before swine, especially if you don’t use it for exposed masonry—which would require smaller formats than commonly used today. When plastered or insulated with panels, both look equally good.

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

So, I shouldn't worry about the wall materials and just use whatever he normally uses? Like, it doesn't really matter in the end and it's all basically the same?

Not all materials have the same properties, no. But depending on your specific requirements, they might.

Only you can clarify that, and it also depends, among other things, on the plot of land. For example, on a busy street with a noisy environment, calcium silicate blocks could be a good choice due to their higher sound insulation... just a very simplified example. In a typical residential area, it probably doesn’t matter much.

I also found it quite difficult at first and spent weeks online trying to find THE best brick or block for all eventualities. But that simply does not exist.

I chose calcium silicate blocks with mineral wool external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS). On one hand, it’s irrational (because it has substantial mass and you need a hammer drill to make holes), and on the other hand, it’s for structural reasons (small plot, large window areas, slim exterior walls).

Clay bricks were not an option for ME because I wouldn’t like the red dust when drilling. But it would have been a compromise. Again, this is not based on logic but on personal preference.

Aerated concrete (e.g. Ytong) was not for me because the material feels too soft.

For others, the monolithic construction method mentioned in the title is important—that is, avoiding additional insulation layers like polystyrene or mineral wool. A clear advantage of this method is that later installation of fixtures on the facade is easier, since you are attaching directly into a solid wall without having to bridge a non-load-bearing insulation layer. However, that was not as important to ME as the reasons in favor of calcium silicate blocks, especially since solutions exist for the few cases where it matters. But this is an individual decision.

It ultimately depends on what matters to you. Regardless of that, find someone experienced with your chosen building material and avoid companies that, for example, always build with calcium silicate blocks but are supposed to use clay bricks on your project, and therefore lack proper experience with them…