New build:Porotherm
From Sustainable Building Resource
Porotherm Clay Block Walling System
What is Porotherm?
Porotherm combines exceptionally fast, virtually dry construction with high strength and thermal efficiency. For a modern, precision engineered, walling system, Porotherm has reassuringly traditional construction values based on a strong heritage.
For over 30 years it has been widely used on many projects in Europe, becoming a building system of choice. In many ways Porotherm is a natural progression from handmade bricks to engineered blocks; one which is ideal for use on both domestic and commercial projects with single or multiple-storeys.
Each Porotherm block is a vertically perforated walling unit made from clay, prepared with up to 20% recycled materials. The blocks are extruded, dried and fired in a process that leaves innumerable connected pores, giving Porotherm its unique thermal insulation and permeable characteristics. After firing, the block height is precision ground to an accuracy of +/- 0.5mm giving builders the ability to create accurate, clean homogenous walls – and fast!
Why use Porotherm?
Porotherm is an efficient alternative to other building materials such as timber; concrete or light steel frames and is suitable for a variety of construction applications e.g.
- Inner leaf of brick-faced cavity walls - Inner & outer leaves of rendered cavity walls - Monolithic (single leaf) external walls - Infill panels within framed structures - Load bearing & non load bearing partition walls
It benefits from being:
Enviromentally Friendly
- Manufactured using natural and re cycled materials - Maximum build volume from minimum material usage - Healthy living climate – Porotherm regulates humidity - High Thermal Mass - Minimal Mortar required
Fast
- No mortar in the vertical joints - 6x faster than traditional blockwork - 10sqm per man per hour is achievable
Dry
- 95% less water built in - Reduced time to a water-tight seal - Quicker availability for finishing trades
Strong
- Unit compressive strength typically ≥ 10 N/mm2 - Typical wall compressive strength ≥ 3.9 N/mm2
Safe
- Lightweight compared to aggregate concrete blocks - Less repetitive strain – teams maintain production - Reduced dermalogical risk
Efficient
- Less waste. 1mm bed means minimal use of bed joint mix. - Thermally efficient - Acoustically efficient
THE POROTHERM SYSTEM
Porotherm is a true walling system, developed and proved in Europe for 30 years by [Wienerberger | http://www.brick.co.uk]. [EH Smith | http://www.sustainablebuildingmaterials.co.uk] and their selected partners will stock and supply all the approved and tested system components which are essential to the safe and efficient construction of the wall.
Starter and lintel blocks, lintels, ring beams, wall ties, DPC, tools and adhesive are all held in stock ready for prompt delivery to sites.
For further information please see http://www.porothermuk.co.uk
