ᐅ External thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) or monolithic wall construction?
Created on: 10 Aug 2011 13:27
K
katinkaB
Bauexperte11 Aug 2011 09:52Hello Katinka,
This is a “Jehovah topic.”
Most suppliers I know work with ETICS (external thermal insulation composite systems) – why? Because normal small hairline or settlement cracks on the house are not visible from the outside; instead, they are hidden behind the ETICS. Also, it is usually more cost-effective than applying a mineral-based exterior plaster; sometimes it is also required in seismic zones of level 3 or higher, and quite simply when planning a KFW 55 efficiency house or better.
Some time ago there was already a discussion about this topic here on the forum. At
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/einschaliges-mauerwerk-vs-zweischaliges-mit-wdvs.4234/
I shared my personal view (warning: subjective) of the matter through what I think is a very well-written newspaper article.
As a general rule: anyone who uses ETICS for whatever reason should definitely not skip installing a ventilation system; whether it absolutely must have heat recovery is another “Jehovah topic.”
Kind regards
katinka schrieb:
A very specific opinion poll: What is better, an external thermal insulation composite system or a monolithic wall structure?
This is a “Jehovah topic.”
Most suppliers I know work with ETICS (external thermal insulation composite systems) – why? Because normal small hairline or settlement cracks on the house are not visible from the outside; instead, they are hidden behind the ETICS. Also, it is usually more cost-effective than applying a mineral-based exterior plaster; sometimes it is also required in seismic zones of level 3 or higher, and quite simply when planning a KFW 55 efficiency house or better.
Some time ago there was already a discussion about this topic here on the forum. At
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/einschaliges-mauerwerk-vs-zweischaliges-mit-wdvs.4234/
I shared my personal view (warning: subjective) of the matter through what I think is a very well-written newspaper article.
As a general rule: anyone who uses ETICS for whatever reason should definitely not skip installing a ventilation system; whether it absolutely must have heat recovery is another “Jehovah topic.”
Kind regards
M
maestro678911 Aug 2011 13:16Hello Katinka,
We faced exactly the same question. Honestly, it was difficult for us to decide. There are definitely arguments against ETICS, but also some that strongly support it.
Until now, we had always thought that a 40cm (16 inch) aerated concrete block would provide sufficient thermal insulation to meet the energy-saving regulations (although those can sometimes be optimistically calculated). In the end, we chose ETICS, partly for thermal reasons and because our garden-level floor (built on a sloped plot) will be nearly entirely cast with waterproof concrete, while the ground floor will be masonry. The transition from concrete to masonry can be better “hidden” behind ETICS.
What still bothers us, however, is the fact that the ETICS will use polystyrene insulation, which is a real environmental concern (it cannot be recycled). But more eco-friendly materials tend to be so expensive that the thermal insulation becomes questionable again.
Ultimately, your question cannot be answered simply and generally; I think it depends on many factors.
And the article mentioned by the previous poster Bauexperte in the other discussion really hits the nail on the head regarding this dilemma.
Kind regards
katinka schrieb:
Hello dear forum visitors,
a very specific poll:
Which is better, external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) or a monolithic wall construction?
Thanks for your opinions!
Best regards, Katinka
We faced exactly the same question. Honestly, it was difficult for us to decide. There are definitely arguments against ETICS, but also some that strongly support it.
Until now, we had always thought that a 40cm (16 inch) aerated concrete block would provide sufficient thermal insulation to meet the energy-saving regulations (although those can sometimes be optimistically calculated). In the end, we chose ETICS, partly for thermal reasons and because our garden-level floor (built on a sloped plot) will be nearly entirely cast with waterproof concrete, while the ground floor will be masonry. The transition from concrete to masonry can be better “hidden” behind ETICS.
What still bothers us, however, is the fact that the ETICS will use polystyrene insulation, which is a real environmental concern (it cannot be recycled). But more eco-friendly materials tend to be so expensive that the thermal insulation becomes questionable again.
Ultimately, your question cannot be answered simply and generally; I think it depends on many factors.
And the article mentioned by the previous poster Bauexperte in the other discussion really hits the nail on the head regarding this dilemma.
Kind regards
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