Hello,
we live in an older building and now want to improve its energy efficiency. Unfortunately, we are confused due to the media coverage about expanded polystyrene (EPS) for external wall insulation and the flood of information about various insulation materials. We simply want to insulate our exterior walls...
Therefore, I wanted to ask about your experiences with external wall insulation and different materials. From choosing the material and installation to living in an insulated house...
I would appreciate it if someone could share their experiences here.
Thank you in advance
we live in an older building and now want to improve its energy efficiency. Unfortunately, we are confused due to the media coverage about expanded polystyrene (EPS) for external wall insulation and the flood of information about various insulation materials. We simply want to insulate our exterior walls...
Therefore, I wanted to ask about your experiences with external wall insulation and different materials. From choosing the material and installation to living in an insulated house...
I would appreciate it if someone could share their experiences here.
Thank you in advance
The fire behavior of EPS should not be overlooked.
There are, of course, flame retardants, but:
The flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), which is added to polystyrene for insulation boards and rigid foam boards, is classified under the REACH regulation as "very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects." It is relatively persistent and toxic to aquatic organisms, with a very high potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Migration into the environment from undamaged expanded polystyrene is limited in quantity, but emissions can occur during fires, photolysis, and recycling.
In other words... hazardous waste on the wall!
Mineral wool, such as stone wool, has significant advantages in this regard.
The internet is full of examples...
There are, of course, flame retardants, but:
The flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), which is added to polystyrene for insulation boards and rigid foam boards, is classified under the REACH regulation as "very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects." It is relatively persistent and toxic to aquatic organisms, with a very high potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Migration into the environment from undamaged expanded polystyrene is limited in quantity, but emissions can occur during fires, photolysis, and recycling.
In other words... hazardous waste on the wall!
Mineral wool, such as stone wool, has significant advantages in this regard.
The internet is full of examples...
Every insulation material has its pros and cons. Polymers (such as "Styrofoam," PUR, Resol) are flammable, which is mainly a concern in multi-family buildings. If the fire is intense enough to ignite the facade, the interior would likely be beyond saving anyway. PU is said to be less flammable than EPS.
Stone wool, mineral wool, glass wool, and other inorganic boards (perlite, etc.) are absorbent. Disposal and removal used to be problematic, but nowadays the fibers are reportedly treated to eliminate lung risks (personally, I wouldn’t bet my lungs on it).
Cellulose-based boards (wood fiber) are absorbent and flammable and may develop mold if not properly treated.
All approved insulation materials are safe for health when correctly installed. There are also differences in thermal conductivity. A PU or Resol external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) is a few centimeters thinner than one made of mineral wool or EPS.
The finish and structure of the plaster surface are very important since algae growth can occur, and the surface may be more or less vulnerable to damage. How well the facade is protected against rain also plays a key role. As an interested layperson and scientist, I would say these two factors are among the most important to prevent facade damage. An alternative to ETICS with plaster is a ventilated curtain wall facade.
I consider the discussion about “indoor climate” nonsense. It largely depends on the interior wall material and the ventilation and heating systems. Physically, the type of insulation makes almost no difference here. Generally, occupants won’t even notice what insulation material is used. Differences are more noticeable in terms of wall properties like sound insulation, workability, and thermal storage.
Stone wool, mineral wool, glass wool, and other inorganic boards (perlite, etc.) are absorbent. Disposal and removal used to be problematic, but nowadays the fibers are reportedly treated to eliminate lung risks (personally, I wouldn’t bet my lungs on it).
Cellulose-based boards (wood fiber) are absorbent and flammable and may develop mold if not properly treated.
All approved insulation materials are safe for health when correctly installed. There are also differences in thermal conductivity. A PU or Resol external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) is a few centimeters thinner than one made of mineral wool or EPS.
The finish and structure of the plaster surface are very important since algae growth can occur, and the surface may be more or less vulnerable to damage. How well the facade is protected against rain also plays a key role. As an interested layperson and scientist, I would say these two factors are among the most important to prevent facade damage. An alternative to ETICS with plaster is a ventilated curtain wall facade.
I consider the discussion about “indoor climate” nonsense. It largely depends on the interior wall material and the ventilation and heating systems. Physically, the type of insulation makes almost no difference here. Generally, occupants won’t even notice what insulation material is used. Differences are more noticeable in terms of wall properties like sound insulation, workability, and thermal storage.
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