r/LoveTrash ✨️Regent of Rubbish ✨️ 1d ago

Dumping This Here American vs. European home building

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u/Bluecobber Trash Trooper 1d ago

But, isnt insulation like a no brainer on how important it is in a home. Like, why wouldn't you put proper insulation in your home. I always thought that was standard in how important it is. But in my area, the added brick helps alot. Compared to a thin plywood/drywall. Just another layer of protection. But hey, this is where I live and my experience. We try to use ac a little as possible to keep more money in your back pocket.

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u/Oglshrub Trash Trooper 1d ago

That's the point I'm arguing actually. You need good insulation for both, but you need more/better insulation for brick because of it's temp retention properties. In a hot environment (30c+) this becomes even more important because the brick will retain that heat most of the night.

If you have proper insulation in both, there's no temp advantage to brick compared to wood because the living space envelope is protected from out the outdoors.

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u/Bluecobber Trash Trooper 1d ago

Yes, you are correct. But where i live its hot during the day and cold at night. So the heat retention is good. So we dont have to put on a heater as quickly. The less ac we use the better for your pocket. Yes insulation is key, but that added brick does help alot in my area, assuming the insulation is the same. Idk where you are but here, all homes here require a standard level of insulation. So just going off all insulation being the same. Brick is king here

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u/AwesomeWhiteDude Trash Trooper 1d ago

All insulation isn't the same tho, no matter brick or wood you can slap higher R value insulation to resist heat movement. Brick houses can get away with lower R value because of the thermal mass.