Hello dear forum community,
After visiting several construction companies, the question of the optimal facade system has come up for me—specifically, what are the pros and cons of the different options?
First of all, the goal is to at least meet the KfW55 standard. A simple online search yields the usual advantages and disadvantages of all materials, but I would like to rely on the community’s arguments and experiences. The focus is explicitly not on aesthetic factors like “brick looks much nicer” or similar, but rather on practical experience, risks, and useful information about the different materials.
- In the single-layer category, I have so far only seen a Poroton facade (T7 MW, T8), which at 36.5 cm (14 inches) is quite narrow and is usually finished with an external render or optionally brick veneer.
- For double-layer systems, I was typically shown a naturally thicker facade consisting of aerated concrete, mineral wool insulation, and brick cladding. What we definitely want to avoid is polystyrene insulation.
I realize it’s hard to say that one option is clearly better than the other, but please be so kind as to share your personal opinion and feel free to explain your reasons.
Have a nice evening!
Regards, Rafael
After visiting several construction companies, the question of the optimal facade system has come up for me—specifically, what are the pros and cons of the different options?
First of all, the goal is to at least meet the KfW55 standard. A simple online search yields the usual advantages and disadvantages of all materials, but I would like to rely on the community’s arguments and experiences. The focus is explicitly not on aesthetic factors like “brick looks much nicer” or similar, but rather on practical experience, risks, and useful information about the different materials.
- In the single-layer category, I have so far only seen a Poroton facade (T7 MW, T8), which at 36.5 cm (14 inches) is quite narrow and is usually finished with an external render or optionally brick veneer.
- For double-layer systems, I was typically shown a naturally thicker facade consisting of aerated concrete, mineral wool insulation, and brick cladding. What we definitely want to avoid is polystyrene insulation.
I realize it’s hard to say that one option is clearly better than the other, but please be so kind as to share your personal opinion and feel free to explain your reasons.
Have a nice evening!
Regards, Rafael
K
Knallkörper21 Jan 2017 11:50In our development area, the entire external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) on one house was completely removed because it was not fully glued across the surface. When it comes to the brick veneer, there are also plenty of potential issues, especially with the base waterproofing around floor-to-ceiling windows or entrances, which I often notice as a weak point. In our case, it was only properly installed after several requests.
When the interior plastering was done at our house, the temperature outside was below zero degrees Celsius (32°F). Inside, the heating was set strongly to 25 degrees Celsius (77°F). Water leaked through several drainage joints to the outside. Overall, the building dried very well, as most of the moisture was naturally ventilated out.
When the interior plastering was done at our house, the temperature outside was below zero degrees Celsius (32°F). Inside, the heating was set strongly to 25 degrees Celsius (77°F). Water leaked through several drainage joints to the outside. Overall, the building dried very well, as most of the moisture was naturally ventilated out.
N
nightdancer21 Jan 2017 16:07TobiasW. schrieb:
By the way, I never claimed that the gentleman installed the ETICS that way, but that he has already repaired several cases where shortcuts were taken during installation!
You brought up mold as an argument against an ETICS system and supported it with the opinion of an expert. At no point did you mention shoddy workmanship. So don’t twist the facts to cover up that you said nonsense!
If we stay objective, it can be observed that external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) often cause problems in practice, such as mold on the inside, algae on the outside, sensitivity of the thin plaster layer, damage caused by a ladder hitting it resulting in holes, and since polystyrene absorbs water, the facade must be well kept clear of moist soil. When correctly installed, ETICS work, but often they are not installed perfectly.
Brick facades are certainly the most durable in terms of maintenance requirements. However, they are also the most expensive, if we exclude options like larch wood cladding. Additionally, you end up with a thick wall. You either make the house bigger, or you lose interior space.
Aerated concrete walls with plaster applied directly have none of ETICS’s downsides, are energy efficient enough, only slightly more expensive, and the wall thickness falls between that of brick and ETICS. For those seeking the best cost-performance ratio, this is the choice. For those wanting the very best, a brick facade is recommended.
Brick facades are certainly the most durable in terms of maintenance requirements. However, they are also the most expensive, if we exclude options like larch wood cladding. Additionally, you end up with a thick wall. You either make the house bigger, or you lose interior space.
Aerated concrete walls with plaster applied directly have none of ETICS’s downsides, are energy efficient enough, only slightly more expensive, and the wall thickness falls between that of brick and ETICS. For those seeking the best cost-performance ratio, this is the choice. For those wanting the very best, a brick facade is recommended.
Nordlys schrieb:
The aerated concrete wall with plaster on the block does not have the drawbacks of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), is energy efficient enough, only slightly more expensive, and the wall thickness is between that of brick veneer and ETICS. Those looking for the best value for money should choose this. Those wanting the best should go for brick cladding.Aerated concrete is the worst choice when it comes to sound insulation. This may still be acceptable for exterior walls in rural areas, but for interior walls, another material should be considered.
A monolithic wall with infilled bricks is another option. Or sand-lime brick with ETICS, which can help reduce the typical issues associated with thick layers of plaster.
To clarify once again. For our single-family house, we will only have the bay window constructed using ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system). I am not generally opposed to it, but I do believe that if the work is done incorrectly, it can lead to serious construction defects. The problem is that these defects often only become apparent after several years, by which time any warranty claims have expired.
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