How to build external single-leaf walls in HOTBLOK System -heat transfer coefficient U=0.15 W/m²K

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Before bricklaying, check all corner levels of the building under construction, and take care of a proper insulation against dampness – in accordance with good building practices. The substrate below the first row of blocks must be clean and even (it will minimize the consumption of thermal insulating mortar).

HOTBLOK System

All partition elements of the blocks are 3 cm thick, apart from one, which is 5 cm thick, and which should always be laid to the inside of the wall – the inner part of the building.

HOTBLOK System

We recommend using a pre-mix for thermal insulating mortar. It can be prepared either in a concrete mixer or by a manual slow-speed stirrer. The first layer of mortar, the so-called smoothing underlayment, aims to cover possible imperfections - level differences between designated control points, and can be slightly thicker, but the thickness of successive mortar layers should not exceed 8-10mm. The mortar should be evenly distributed across the full width of a HOTBLOK block. It is incorrect to apply mortar in the form of the so-called „patches”.

HOTBLOK System

Start external walls bricklaying by adjusting corner blocks, ensuring proper positioning in the corners /external, internal/, and checking their location in relation to the points (levels) set previously. The arrangement of first blocks is especially important because of the consequences at a later construction stage. Blocks in the corners need to be stacked alternately.

HOTBLOK System

Elements of HOTBLOK System lock together by means of a „tongue and groove” design, therefore, after laying at the destination place in a wall, it is necessary to control each element using special tools /spirit level/, vertically and horizontally. Neglecting this important principle may result in difficulties with fitting the successive blocks in the other wall courses.

HOTBLOK System

It is necessary to make sure that successive block courses in all corners are on the same level. The string line laid across the surface will allow to control if blocks are arranged horizontally between corners. The construction of consecutive courses of the wall is always preceded by setting up corners.

The header surfaces of all elements of the System are desiged to ensure adequate tightness and strength of the wall after combining them, so that heat transfer coefficient parameters, declared by the System manufacturer, is preserved, eliminating possible thermal bridges. To avoid rolls on the mortal surface, blocks must be inserted from above into the „locks” of already fixed elements, only then pressed down to the mortar layer.

HOTBLOK System

HOTBLOK System elements can be adjusted or cut - depending on needs – using commonly available cutting tools (eg. circular saw), and polyurethane foam can be applied in the joints. Cut elements of the System should be arranged so that they do not align in two successive block courses, in accordance with good bricklaying practices. If possible, it is recommended to shift by one-half block length in two successive rows of blocks. Trimmed blocks should be placed in the middle part of the wall, not its edges.

HOTBLOK System

Combining internal load-bearing walls with external walls built in HOTBLOK System, can be achieved by implementation of „ties” - metal connectors/anchor bolts available on the market, or by placing a special fiberglass components in a weld.

HOTBLOK System

Jamb blocks usage eliminates thermal bridges around window and door openings. Their internal design - the shape of insulating chambers - allows to maintain a consistent coefficient of thermal insulation. The design of jamb blocks as well as other HOTBLOK System elements ensures that the outer parts of window and door frames reach insulating layer from each side, which eliminates thermal bridges. Correct and precise construction of openings in external walls enables easy and fast installation of windows and doors.

HOTBLOK System

Using lintels, which consist of two elements /reinforced load-bearing lintel and insulation lintel/, window or door openings can be finished without the necessity of making breaks imposed by technological properties of materials. Lintels shold be longer at least 30 cm on each side of opening edge.

HOTBLOK System

After being set up on the wall, mounted lintels have load bearing function and in a simple way ensure the continuity of a wall course. The height of a lintel and a basic block should be equal, and their thickness carefully matched to create a uniform, smooth base for plaster. After filling with concrete you can proceed with bricklaying, without breaks imposed by technological properties of materials.

HOTBLOK System

Window opening ready to install the window. If there are two windows side by side - should be at least 60 cm in between (one block).

HOTBLOK System

Building in HOTBLOK System proceeds much faster than in other technologies due to considerable size of the blocks as well as their precise tongue and groove joints. For every 1 m² of a wall only 6.9 blocks are needed. Wall construction is accelerated also by, relatively small for this size, weight of a single element, and by grips placed in both sides of the blocks, thanks to which they are easy to carry around on the building site.

HOTBLOK System

On the wall constructed from HOTBLOK System each kind of upper-storey floor structure can be used, in accordance with good bricklaying practices and building instructions.

HOTBLOK System

The complete construction is tied with a knee wall reinforcement. First, reinforcement insulation is mounted on the external side of the constructed knee wall. Then, on the internal side, L-shaped knee wall element is installed. The L-shaped elements, which run around the entire building, tie up the whole construction, similar to a stable frame /ring/, stiffening it. L-shaped blocks will also function as a supportive element for the wall plate, on which structural elements of the roof truss will be based. In the places where rafters cross reinforcement insulation, birdsmouth joints should be made and sealed with polyurethane foam.

HOTBLOK System

Making grooves and drilling holes in a building constructed in HOTBLOK System is performed in exactly the same way as in facilities built using other technologies. The elements of the System are made of expanded clay aggregate, which is made of high quality clay, fire-hardened in high temperature – above 1.100˚C, so its treatment can be compared to working with other materials made of ceramic.

HOTBLOK System

External walls built in HOTBLOK System can be finished with aesthetic solutions which do not affect negatively its excellent properties. The best alternative is to make a layer reinforced with fiberglass mesh, the application of standard lime-cement plaster and exterior silicate or silicone paint in one of the variety of colours available on the market.

HOTBLOK System

A house built in HOTBLOK System is energy efficient. Wall insulation parameters, not exceeding 0,15 W/m2K, enable to build the energy saving/passive house. This guarantees low heating costs in winter and ensures comfort during hot weather. In case of single-leaf walls many costs connected with additional insulation are eliminated and construction time considerably reduced.

ADVANTAGES - SAVINGS and COMFORT

Expanded clay aggregate, of which HOTBLOK elements are made, is fire-hardened, specially selected clay, healthy and natural material used in construction for years. HOTBLOK blocks have a very good diffusion coefficient (water vapor permeability), mi=5 (ideal diffusion coefficient is 1, brick wall is 7, wood is 12, polystyrene is 50). This allows to maintain the „microclimate” as in the old brick building (not thermally insulated) while maintaining stringent thermal standards. The condition of breathability is, however, the use of breathable plaster and paint!! Expanded clay has also bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which also results in a favourable microclimate.

ADVANTAGES – HEALTHY MICROCLIMATE

In May 2011 HOTBLOK System received a certificate from Passivhaus Institut

Darmstadt – a comprehensive system-based solution for passive and energy

efficient construction.

Family house – Wroclaw.

SELECTED PROJECTS

Family house – Lublin vicinity.

SELECTED PROJECTS

Family house construction in Cork, Ireland.

SELECTED PROJECTS

Family house – Wrocaw vicinity.

SELECTED PROJECTS

Passive office building –Torun vicinity

SELECTED PROJECTS

Exemplary Energy Performance Certificate of a building made in HOTBLOK System

Distribution in Europe:

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