Insulated bricks, e.g. MZ7 experiences

  • Erstellt am 2012-04-29 12:53:47

phil1

2012-04-29 12:53:47
  • #1
Hello After initially conducting preliminary planning for our single-family house on a non-binding basis with a local construction company, we decided to consult an independent architect once again. We can still imagine building with this construction company, as it has a very good reputation and we know several positive testimonials from acquaintances. The reason for contacting an independent architect was that the initial plans were somewhat too large and in the end not quite “right” for us (see also regarding these first plans:

https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/Kostenschätzung-einfamilienhaus-realistisch-oder-nicht.5330/

We are now glad that we took the route via the architect, as many new, good ideas have emerged that we now need to refine. The building volume in the current design has become smaller and "simpler." However, we can still imagine building with the aforementioned company, but in any case with a general contractor.

Briefly about the construction project: Single-family house, living area approx. 170m², fully basemented, 2 stories, Kfw55 or better; air heat pump, ventilation system with heat recovery.

The point now is the following: The architect is not a fan of internally insulated bricks (e.g., MZ7) as a building material, which allow a monolithic wall structure without external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS). As a remark: We plan KFW55 (or better), which could probably be realized with these bricks. The aforementioned construction company apparently prefers or exclusively uses this material.

His concerns:


    [*]Processing must be carried out much more precisely than with conventional bricks, as the mortar layer can only be very thin, otherwise: thermal bridges. With ETICS, all this is handled by the external insulation.
    [*]Rain or other moisture from the construction phase “sit forever” in the chambers of the bricks insulated with mineral wool or similar (late damage).
    [*]Insulation renovation is not possible later compared to ETICS


All in all, he clearly advises against this type of construction and rather recommends sand-lime brick with ETICS, or timber frame construction as an alternative. We can definitely warm to the first option (e.g., also because of higher strength and sound insulation), we have not explicitly considered timber construction yet, but we will. Concerns so far have been summer thermal protection, sound insulation, and also somewhat the value retention, although the latter is probably less justified if built to a high standard. I find no discussions about these thermal insulation bricks in the forum or elsewhere on the net, only one testimonial reporting poor sound insulation; perhaps this type of construction is also too new to expect reliable experience values.

In the end, we will also decide with a certain construction company for or against a particular construction method, e.g., the aforementioned insulated bricks, since each of these companies normally has a preferred construction method.

Do you have opinions or experience with this building material, or do you know someone who has had good or less good experiences with it?

Best regards, Phil1
 

Boergi

2012-04-29 16:19:40
  • #2
Hello Phil,

I am currently also still in the planning phase and plan to build with an insulated brick. I cannot understand your architect's concerns:



    [*]Processing must be carried out much more precisely than with conventional bricks, as the mortar layer can only be very thin, otherwise: thermal bridges. With the ETICS, everything is handled by the external insulation.


Precision should always be maintained, even an ETICS can be poorly installed and have thermal bridges. Furthermore, you yourself write that your construction company mostly works with the insulated bricks, so it’s certainly no problem to look at some references there. It is also not rocket science to process the bricks; I prefer 2-3 mm of adhesive over 1-2 cm of mortar. Larger openings are closed with LM21.




    [*]Rain or other moisture from the construction phase "remain forever" in the chambers of the bricks insulated with mineral wool or similar (late damage).


During the construction phase, every brick must be protected against rain by a foil (top brick row), but normal moisture dries out just as well in the plan bricks, why wouldn’t it? Honestly, I don’t know how it looks with mineral wool; I will build with a perlite-filled brick, which I personally prefer.




    [*]Renovation of the insulation is not possible later in contrast to ETICS

What exactly should go wrong with the insulation? Should this be the case, a WDVS can still always be applied.

Regards,

Sebastian
 

phil1

2012-04-29 19:17:44
  • #3
Hello, Sebastian Thank you for your assessment. I will address the points again at our next appointment with the architect and bring in your arguments. As mentioned, we are still in the planning phase and have not yet made a final decision on a construction company. The mentioned company primarily or exclusively works with these bricks, and due to the positive references, we will definitely obtain an offer from them once the building structure is established. In addition, from one or two other companies. Best regards, Philipp
 

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