5 ms·

I think you are thinking of classic red bricks, and maybe where you are from they are only typically used for siding. But in countries where brick masonry is th

I think you are thinking of classic red bricks, and maybe where you are from they are only typically used for siding. But in countries where brick masonry is the dominant form of construction there are options: double wall with insulation gap, concrete blocks with the gap already incorporated, those big hollow "ceramic" bricks (check out pictures of favela buildings with exposed bricks), those white insulated blocks... Anyway, I don't think walls are the main cost here, it's probably the frame itself. Where timber framing is not used they build fewer and bigger concrete columns using "formwork". I don't know if it would be cheaper in North America, though.

rascul 3y ago
> double wall with insulation gap, concrete blocks with the gap already incorporated, those big hollow "ceramic" bricks (check out pictures of favela buildings with exposed bricks), those white insulated blocks... These are methods of reducing heat transfer since neither the brick nor the concrete are good insulators.
- bernawil 3y ago
  the mullite bricks certainly are good insulators themselves. As for the concrete ones, they're puffed up with air and also ok. I don't get how "reducing heat transfer" is not "insulating" though. Another plus of bricks I left out is soundproofing.
  - rascul 3y ago
    > the mullite bricks certainly are good insulators themselves. As for the concrete ones, they're puffed up with air and also ok. Sure, with some exotic materials and fancy tricks you can get something possibly approaching mediocre with bricks. This is fairly niche and not part of the general calculation. I'm happy to revise my opinion if you show a type of brick that is readily available and commonly used for building that has a useful R-value. As far as I'm aware, that doesn't exist outside a few niche products. > I don't get how "reducing heat transfer" is not "insulating" though. I never said that. > Another plus of bricks I left out is soundproofing. Sure. There are many advantages. I only and specifically took issue with your claim that brick is a good insulator, because in the general case it is not.

rascul 3y ago

> double wall with insulation gap, concrete blocks with the gap already incorporated, those big hollow "ceramic" bricks (check out pictures of favela buildings with exposed bricks), those white insulated blocks... These are methods of reducing heat transfer since neither the brick nor the concrete are good insulators.

bernawil 3y ago
the mullite bricks certainly are good insulators themselves. As for the concrete ones, they're puffed up with air and also ok. I don't get how "reducing heat transfer" is not "insulating" though. Another plus of bricks I left out is soundproofing.
- rascul 3y ago
  > the mullite bricks certainly are good insulators themselves. As for the concrete ones, they're puffed up with air and also ok. Sure, with some exotic materials and fancy tricks you can get something possibly approaching mediocre with bricks. This is fairly niche and not part of the general calculation. I'm happy to revise my opinion if you show a type of brick that is readily available and commonly used for building that has a useful R-value. As far as I'm aware, that doesn't exist outside a few niche products. > I don't get how "reducing heat transfer" is not "insulating" though. I never said that. > Another plus of bricks I left out is soundproofing. Sure. There are many advantages. I only and specifically took issue with your claim that brick is a good insulator, because in the general case it is not.