ᐅ Wall Construction in Solid Building Methods – Experiences?

Hello everyone,

I have a question for the experts: which wall construction would you recommend for exterior walls in solid construction? Why did you choose that option?

In my opinion, there are very different views on this. Is it better to use a 24cm (9.5 inches) brick plus 17cm (7 inches) external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS), or rather a 42.5cm (17 inches) Poroton brick without insulation?

For me, soundproofing and a comfortable indoor climate are important. I’m not very convinced by ETICS, but maybe I have been advised incorrectly. That’s why I am interested in hearing your recommendations.

What about the plaster? Silicate plaster or lime plaster?

Johannes1982 schrieb:

For me personally, sound insulation and a comfortable indoor climate are important. I’m not very convinced by ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems), but maybe I’ve been advised incorrectly. That’s why I was interested in what you would recommend?

If sound insulation is important, then use calcium silicate bricks. Why don’t ETICS convince you?
A third option is a cavity wall with core insulation and facing bricks.

Indoor climate is just a buzzword. It has absolutely nothing to do with the construction method.

I would always choose mineral-based plaster, including mineral-based paint.

36.5 cm (14.4 inches) Poroton blocks filled with perlite already provide very good insulation properties and are also quite effective in terms of soundproofing. Inside the living areas, use a lime plaster and paint it with silicate paint. This creates a fully mineral wall structure with good vapor permeability, which benefits the indoor climate when the products are properly matched. Additionally, this solution can be implemented at reasonable costs. On the exterior, apply plaster and use a silicone resin paint for optimal weather protection. In my opinion, this is a proven, simple construction method that minimizes the risk of major mistakes.

Allthewayup schrieb:

Apply a lime plaster on the interior walls of the living areas and paint it with silicate paint. This creates a completely mineral wall system with good vapor permeability, which benefits the indoor climate if the products are properly matched.

However, compared to a new build with drywall or gypsum plaster, you likely won't notice a difference in the indoor climate. You will simply feel personally comfortable with the material choice that suits you best.

Allthewayup schrieb:

On the exterior, plaster and use a silicone resin paint for optimal weather protection.

Personally, I am not a fan of silicone resin paints. They have too many disadvantages – durability is one of them. Moisture regulation and ecological impact are others, along with the higher cost. The only advantage, in my opinion, is that they are available in any color.

For me, the idea of completely covering the house with ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) using polystyrene or something similar doesn’t seem very practical. I’m a bit concerned about mold, algae, and so on—there are plenty of examples of this. My skepticism mainly comes from the feeling that having a thick masonry wall is sufficient and reliable.

A combination of ETICS and 24 cm (9.5 inches) brick is certainly more cost-effective and offers a significantly better U-value, right?
Is it even possible to achieve KfW 40 standard with 36.5 cm (14.5 inches) Poroton blocks?

Johannes1982 schrieb:

For me, the idea of covering the entire house with external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) using expanded polystyrene or similar materials doesn’t seem very practical. I’m a bit concerned about mold, algae, and so on—there are plenty of examples.

That applies to all construction methods except for brick façades. So yes, it’s just your impression.