ᐅ Skepticism Regarding External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) on New Multi-Family Residential Buildings
Created on: 6 Mar 2015 22:02
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werschtl
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
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
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Bauexperte9 Mar 2015 12:21Of course I know it; it seems too extreme to me. Apart from that, the abbreviation KF can stand for many things 😉
Best regards, Bauexperte
Best regards, Bauexperte
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Bauexperte9 Mar 2015 12:27That’s true as well... I just came back from the dentist; it’s probably affecting my logical thinking 😳
Regards, Bauexperte
Regards, Bauexperte
@DerBjoe
I would love to respond in detail here (*sigh*). But I simply don’t have the time. Also, the entire discussion kind of goes around in circles. I classify the owners of such houses as supporters (even those who basically have no real knowledge about it) and those who avoid them as opponents.
I find the publication "Background / February 2014 Hexabromocyclododecane – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions" by the Federal Environment Agency quite interesting, at least.
That’s certainly quite an understatement of the actual problem. 😉
I would love to respond in detail here (*sigh*). But I simply don’t have the time. Also, the entire discussion kind of goes around in circles. I classify the owners of such houses as supporters (even those who basically have no real knowledge about it) and those who avoid them as opponents.
I find the publication "Background / February 2014 Hexabromocyclododecane – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions" by the Federal Environment Agency quite interesting, at least.
DerBjoern schrieb:
which are supposedly more biodegradable.
That’s certainly quite an understatement of the actual problem. 😉
D
DerBjoern9 Mar 2015 13:15Voki1 schrieb:
That’s certainly quite an understatement of the actual problem. 😉It is definitely not downplaying the issue. HBCD is certainly not without problems. However, it is firmly bound within the EPS and does not simply leach out into the environment. Also, when burned, none of the HBCD remains. It is certainly not completely risk-free, but panic is even more inappropriate!
I consider the owners of such houses as supporters (even those who basically have no real knowledge about it) and the avoiders as opponents.I count the opponents of such houses as avoiders (especially those who basically have no real knowledge about it). 😉
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Bauexperte9 Mar 2015 15:41DerBjoern schrieb:
It is not hazardous waste, but a recyclable material. 😉 This discussion always stirs strong opinions; for me, it is hazardous waste. The term is justified because brominated insulation materials must be thermally disposed of to avoid environmental harm. However, it is also true that—if properly installed—there is no risk to humans or animals as long as the exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) cladding is not damaged.An interesting point in this whole debate: a traditional EIFS is initially cheap. Later on, though, it becomes expensive because removing such insulation from the facade is quite time-consuming. From my subjective perspective, this raises the question of why not invest more upfront and use natural insulation materials instead?
Best regards, Bauexperte
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