ᐅ Skepticism Regarding External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) on New Multi-Family Residential Buildings

Created on: 6 Mar 2015 22:02
W
werschtl
W
werschtl
6 Mar 2015 22:02
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
T
toxicmolotof
6 Mar 2015 23:25
Hello dear Frank,

Asking these questions now is probably a bit late. The only options I can think of at this point are selling or renting out, if you don’t plan to move in yourself.

Of course, the climate will be different compared to an older building, but the heating bill will likely be different as well.

How could anyone possibly give you a proper answer to your last question? With correct operation, use, ventilation, and heating of the apartment, you will probably never encounter any problems.
Mycraft7 Mar 2015 08:17
I see it the same way... you won’t achieve an old building climate... but that’s not the point... and with proper use and professional construction, no problems are to be expected...
V
Voki1
7 Mar 2015 10:05
werschtl schrieb:
From my point of view, a crime.

I completely agree.
Mycraft7 Mar 2015 10:46
You can look at it however you want... in winter, you also wear warm clothing... these are generally made from the same materials...
B
Bauexperte
7 Mar 2015 10:49
Mycraft schrieb:
You can look at it however you want... in winter you also wear warm clothes... which usually consist of the same materials...

Not necessarily... there are no processed petroleum products in my wardrobe 😉

Regards, Bauexperte