Hello everyone,
I am really not a fan of "construction documentaries," as they mostly consist of entertaining horror stories based on real cases (I know quite a few productions) ... but tonight it’s worth checking out a public broadcasting program; here on WDR1.
At 8:15 p.m., there will be a report about who really benefits from external wall insulation. Here is a brief description of the program:
If you want to protect the climate and save money at the same time, you absolutely have to insulate your house walls. At least that is what politicians and the industry claim.
A little over a year ago, WDR presenter Dieter Könnes started researching the topic of external wall insulation. He quickly developed serious doubts about the above statement. Dieter Könnes was able to prove that the savings promises from the industry are exaggerated and that the commonly used material—polystyrene—can be dangerous. In the event of a fire, polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is very difficult to extinguish.
Following his first film on the subject of external wall insulation, there were strong reactions from insulation manufacturers, who legally challenged the research and the film. This was another reason for Dieter Könnes to continue exploring the insulation of house walls and to find out: What are we actually sticking onto our walls? Do the materials deliver what the industry promises? How has the industry managed to establish such a controversial product on the market? Who profits from the massive consumption of polystyrene insulation boards? The environment? The consumers? Or just the industry?
In his new film, Dieter Könnes meets industry insiders who provide insights behind the scenes of the insulation industry and its questionable business practices. He also questions the role of politics: Why is a single, highly controversial measure subsidized with billions in taxpayer money when it saves far less energy than promised?
Dieter Könnes reveals how closely industry, politics, and lobby groups cooperate regarding thermal insulation. Is everyone really fighting for the climate—or just for their own profit?
So definitely tune in—at least those of you who are considering masonry + ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system).
Best regards, Bauexperte
I am really not a fan of "construction documentaries," as they mostly consist of entertaining horror stories based on real cases (I know quite a few productions) ... but tonight it’s worth checking out a public broadcasting program; here on WDR1.
At 8:15 p.m., there will be a report about who really benefits from external wall insulation. Here is a brief description of the program:
If you want to protect the climate and save money at the same time, you absolutely have to insulate your house walls. At least that is what politicians and the industry claim.
A little over a year ago, WDR presenter Dieter Könnes started researching the topic of external wall insulation. He quickly developed serious doubts about the above statement. Dieter Könnes was able to prove that the savings promises from the industry are exaggerated and that the commonly used material—polystyrene—can be dangerous. In the event of a fire, polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is very difficult to extinguish.
Following his first film on the subject of external wall insulation, there were strong reactions from insulation manufacturers, who legally challenged the research and the film. This was another reason for Dieter Könnes to continue exploring the insulation of house walls and to find out: What are we actually sticking onto our walls? Do the materials deliver what the industry promises? How has the industry managed to establish such a controversial product on the market? Who profits from the massive consumption of polystyrene insulation boards? The environment? The consumers? Or just the industry?
In his new film, Dieter Könnes meets industry insiders who provide insights behind the scenes of the insulation industry and its questionable business practices. He also questions the role of politics: Why is a single, highly controversial measure subsidized with billions in taxpayer money when it saves far less energy than promised?
Dieter Könnes reveals how closely industry, politics, and lobby groups cooperate regarding thermal insulation. Is everyone really fighting for the climate—or just for their own profit?
So definitely tune in—at least those of you who are considering masonry + ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system).
Best regards, Bauexperte
D
DerBjoern19 Nov 2014 14:46 Because polystyrene is waterproof and therefore no water vapor can pass through exterior walls, indoor humidity levels in apartments rise above 60 percent relative humidity during winter, which promotes the growth of dust mites.So much for the quality of the source
oh yes, Paul Bossert. You can find quite a bit about him...
W
Wanderdüne19 Nov 2014 22:08Bauexperte schrieb:
I would have expected these questions from other users... That wasn’t really a question. There are already several decades of experience with ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) using different constructions. For the older 40 mm (1.6 inches) versions, the existing structure does not necessarily need to be removed when adding insulation.
So the question is, why should today’s system have to be removed after a certain number of years?
Bauexperte schrieb:
Regarding the Fraunhofer Institute, I have come back down to earth; quite disillusioned. At least they are honest and use my preferred wall setup in the building shown in the film: with a ventilated rainscreen facade.
Bauexperte schrieb:
- Mold inside buildings,
- Algae growth on facades,
- Limited durability of applied synthetic render,
- Poor utilization of passive solar energy So what? Blaming ETICS for indoor mold is not really fair. Algae growth is an issue, but it primarily does not affect the functionality of ETICS and can also occur—sometimes less frequently—with other wall systems. Durability requires maintenance, and regarding passive solar energy use: unfortunately, not everything is possible.
Bauexperte schrieb:
Because polystyrene is waterproof and therefore there is no moisture transport through exterior walls, indoor humidity in apartments rises above 60 percent relative humidity in winter, promoting mite growth. I’m too sober right now to follow that line of reasoning. However, I did start to experience a slight itch from the mites.
Bauexperte schrieb:
Bauexperte schrieb:
The costs of energy-related building renovation significantly exceed the savings. So what? The goal is always to find a good compromise within the legal framework. It’s not always about financial profitability. For some, a highly insulated house is a status symbol like an expensive car or even a replacement for religion — why not?
Bauexperte schrieb:
Bauexperte schrieb:
Why the maximum of 30 years (sorry, that was a typo) is well explained in this book: That doesn’t align with my experience; I won’t buy the book.
Bauexperte schrieb:
Bauexperte schrieb:
Deconstruction = removing the system, cutting off the anchors, chipping off the remaining mortar residues.
That takes time and has absolutely nothing to do with the contractor performing the work. Very understanding, and next up will be psychological support and wellness vacations for the workers.
Maybe the construction site was in Berlin; then it might have been even faster.
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