Thermal insulation composite system or monolithic wall construction?

Hello dear forum visitors,

a very specific opinion poll:

What is better, [Wärmedämmverbundsystem] or a monolithic wall structure?

Thanks for your opinions!

Best regards, Katinka

Hello Katinka,

a very specific opinion poll: What is better, external thermal insulation composite system or a monolithic wall structure?

This is a "Jehovah topic"
Most providers I know work with ETICS – why? Because so-called "hairline or settlement cracks" on the house are not visible from the outside; instead, they lie behind the ETICS. Because it is generally cheaper than applying a mineral exterior plaster; sometimes also because earthquake zones from 3 onwards may require it, and quite simply when planning a KFW 55 efficiency house or higher.

Some time ago there was already a discussion on this topic here in the forum. At

https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/einschaliges-mauerwerk-vs-zweischaliges-mit-wdvs.4234/

I explained my very personal view (warning: subjective) of the matter by means of – what I consider – a very well-done newspaper article.

However, as a rule of thumb: whoever – for whatever reasons – builds with ETICS should definitely not do without a ventilation system; whether it should necessarily be equipped with heat recovery is another "Jehovah topic"

Kind regards

Hello Katinka,

Hello dear forum visitors,

a very specific opinion poll:

What is better, external thermal insulation composite system or a monolithic wall structure?

Thank you for your opinions!

Regards Katinka

We were exactly faced with this question as well. And to be honest, we had a hard time making a decision. There are certainly points against ETICS, but also points that absolutely speak in favor of it.

Until now, we always thought that a 40 cm aerated concrete block would provide sufficient thermal insulation to meet the energy-saving ordinance requirements (although these can also be optimistically calculated). In the end, however, we decided on ETICS, partly for thermal reasons and because our garden level (on a sloped site) will be almost entirely poured with waterproof concrete and the ground floor will be built with masonry. The transition from concrete to masonry can be better "hidden" behind an ETICS.

What still bothers us, however, is the fact that the ETICS will be made of polystyrene and that is really an environmental killer (cannot be recycled). But other more environmentally friendly materials are immediately so expensive that the thermal insulation is questioned again.

Ultimately, your question cannot be answered in a general way, I think it depends on many factors.

And the article addressed by my predecessor Bauexperte in the other discussion really hits the nail on the head regarding the dilemma.

Best regards