ᐅ Prefabricated construction or traditional building? Expanded clay aggregate vs. Poroton bricks?
Created on: 22 Dec 2014 22:15
T
tobiwanHello everyone,
we are about to decide between two of our building contractors. They differ significantly in one main aspect: the building material!
One uses a prefabricated construction method with exterior walls made of 42.5cm (17 inches) lightweight expanded clay aggregate blocks, while the other builds "traditionally" with 36.5cm (14 inches) Poroton bricks. The technical properties of these materials regarding U-value, sound insulation, and fire resistance seem very similar, or have we overlooked something?
We are aware that with the prefabricated lightweight clay walls, much more detailed early planning is required for outlets, wiring, etc. But what else should we consider?
That’s why we would appreciate your expert opinion—especially about the lightweight expanded clay walls!
Are there any negative long-term effects?
Does this building method reduce the resale value?
Can you really drive a nail in and have it hold?
We are planning a single-family house of about 130m² (1400 sq ft), KfW 70 standard.
Thanks and best regards!
we are about to decide between two of our building contractors. They differ significantly in one main aspect: the building material!
One uses a prefabricated construction method with exterior walls made of 42.5cm (17 inches) lightweight expanded clay aggregate blocks, while the other builds "traditionally" with 36.5cm (14 inches) Poroton bricks. The technical properties of these materials regarding U-value, sound insulation, and fire resistance seem very similar, or have we overlooked something?
We are aware that with the prefabricated lightweight clay walls, much more detailed early planning is required for outlets, wiring, etc. But what else should we consider?
That’s why we would appreciate your expert opinion—especially about the lightweight expanded clay walls!
Are there any negative long-term effects?
Does this building method reduce the resale value?
Can you really drive a nail in and have it hold?
We are planning a single-family house of about 130m² (1400 sq ft), KfW 70 standard.
Thanks and best regards!
We have 42.5cm (17 inches) lightweight expanded clay aggregate walls in a prefabricated construction method and are very satisfied. We have been living in the house for about 6 weeks now. The sound insulation is good, and the walls are perfectly flat. Keep in mind that even factory-applied plastered wall elements need to be sanded and filled on-site, but this is not much effort. Hammering a nail into the pre-plastered side of the wall won’t be easy. Drilling and using anchors is the way to go (as it should be). We did not use wallpaper, so naturally, a few fine hairline cracks are visible. But you will have this with any masonry. Careful planning is a major topic, as you have already realized. Looking back, you always wish some electrical outlets were placed differently... However, I would definitely build this way again.