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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. In May 2011 HOTBLOK System received a
certificate from Passivhaus Institut Darmstadt
– a comprehensive system-based solution for
passive and energy efficient construction.

22. Family house – Wroclaw.
SELECTED PROJECTS

23. Family house – Lublin vicinity.
SELECTED PROJECTS

24. Family house construction in Cork, Ireland.
SELECTED PROJECTS

25. Family house – Wrocaw vicinity.
SELECTED PROJECTS

26. Passive office building –Torun vicinity
SELECTED PROJECTS

27. Exemplary Energy
Performance Certificate
of a building made in
HOTBLOK System

28. Distribution in Europe:
ThermiBau.com