Typical house construction - little clay bricks

JimmyGreaves · Guru Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 589

Thanks for that Peter

Burger · Ace Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 1113 Location: Hua Hin

In Hua Hin you can buy the 'thermalite' blocks, white in colour and have much better thermal and strength qualities than red bricks and 'breeze' blocks (so I'm told, maybe one of the experts can confirm ??)
Not cheap obviously and only seem to be used in higher end priced properties.

Burger

JimmyGreaves · Guru Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 589

There is a big house going up near Tippawan on 2 rai (Foundations only at the mo) but the chinese guy who is building (He's an engineer btw) is going to use dense bricks the same size as available in the uk. He's says he will do a cavity wall with insulation and wall ties (Not 100% about the insulation or wall ties as communication was a bit strained). Never seen the type of bricks before around HH but he had about 50 there. Gonna keep my eye on his build.

Jaime · Ace Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1884 Location: Sh*t Creek

STEVE G · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:36 pm Post subject:

Hi Jaime, I just read this on the Thermalite site that you kindly provided, what is the “U-value” bit about, in layman’s terms.

“Thermalite Turbo building block offers very high thermal insulation properties and is therefore ideal for external wall applications where low U-values are required.”

Jaime · Ace Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1884 Location: Sh*t Creek

In Thailand 'U' value would be described as 'k' value.

The U value is a measurement of heat loss described in terms of W/M2K or heat energy lost (in Watts) per metre square of area considered across an internal/external temperature difference of 1 degree centigrade.

The lower the figure, the better the insulating properties of the product or of the combined construction of a number of products.
_________________
"The man who never made a mistake never did bugger all" - Old Welsh proverb

"Why limit yourself to the death of a crummy celery stalk when you can eat a giraffe?" - PWEETA

STEVE G · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:23 pm Post subject:

Thank you for the information, Jaime.

fremdulo · Amateur Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 28 Location: Hua Hin

Anybody know if you can get structural insulated panels anywhere nearby?

NikkiSixx · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:31 pm Post subject:

Thermalites are also a darn sight lighter to carry aswell(three or four at once!)
I've just built a cottage in the UK out of them!

Limey711 · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:04 am Post subject:

Jamie, do me a favour mate and get a life.
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The sweetest girl that I ever kissed was another man's wife.....My Mother

Big Boy · Legend Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 2927 Location: UK

Limey711 wrote:

Jaime · Ace Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1884 Location: Sh*t Creek

Thanks for the vote of confidence BB and as you say, no wind ups in this thread!

I don't know, there's nowt queer as folk, eh?

Cheers

_________________
"The man who never made a mistake never did bugger all" - Old Welsh proverb

"Why limit yourself to the death of a crummy celery stalk when you can eat a giraffe?" - PWEETA

deepee · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 10:22 pm Post subject: Let your house breathe

One risk with heavy air-con use in the humid tropics is the formation of a "dew point" within linings,walls and cavities.
This can lead to fungal growth,decay of materials,corrosion of fastners and termite intrusion into often unseen or unaccesable areas.
What I'm suggesting is that if you build in the tropics, it may be prudent to consider this possibility and allow for adequate venting in suspect areas.
Common thermal foil insulation can aggrivate this problem.Be aware that breathable foils are now available.
Too many good homes are constructed into "sealed tombs" due to the use of non-breathable materials nowdays. Finishings such as paints being some of the worst offenders.Just check around,many substitute breathable products are simple and cheap e.g lime washes.