Porotherm
Benefits & Why

Building with Porotherm clay blocks makes it possible to plan, build and live according to environmental and long-term economic principles. 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 such as Inner leaves and rendered outer leaves of cavity walls, Monolithic (single leaf) external walls, Infill panels within framed structures and Load bearing and non load bearing partition walls.

Overall, the selection of a wall material will only have a minor influence on the overall building cost; however it is integral to the quality of your finished project. With Porotherm blocks, you are choosing a construction system that is not only economical in every respect - but also offers maximum quality and value retention.

Faster

With no mortar needed in vertical joints and a minimal 1mm bed joint, the Porotherm system rises rapidly. An average of 30-40m2 per man per day is easily achievable; much faster than traditional masonry
The Porotherm system is capable of being built to storey height in a day
Floors can be placed without the need for normal backing up so the external envelope can be completed more quickly
While matching masonry structures for fire-resistance, longevity and sustainability, Porotherm can even be faster than timber frame in construction – with the added benefit of allowing parallel working for internal and external trades earlier in the programme
Porotherm’s specialist ZeroPlus mortar can be used from 0°C and above, meaning that the projects can gain days/weeks extra in working time during winter

Dryer

In comparison to traditional blockwork, Porotherm uses around 95% less water. In a typical 212m2 building, concrete blocks will consume 1060 litres of water compared to just 72 litres for Porotherm
The system takes less time to achieve a watertight shell
The external skin can be removed from the critical path to allow parallel working
Work is less reliant on the local water supply

Stronger

The compressive strengths of Porotherm’s core range are typically 10 N/mm²
One block fits the majority of requirements, as a result, there is no need to keep multiple blocks on-site, reducing the risk of wrong-block use and optimising storage space

Safer

Porotherm blocks are generally lighter than concrete (optimum weight under 11kg) allowing workers to maintain steady production rates without the risk of repetitive strain injuries
Precision engineering means no sharp corners, reducing the risk of cuts
ZeroPlus mortar is applied with a roller, reducing dermatological risk
The bed joint mix is mixed locally to the workplace, which means a reduction in forklift movements, less plant/pedestrian contact and no need for noisy cement mixers

Sustainable

All code for sustainable homes levels can be achieved with Porotherm
30% of materials from alternative, recycled or secondary sources (MARSS)
Life expectancy of more than 150 years and blocks recyclable at end of- life, e.g. hard core
A+ BRE Green Guide rating in external walls

Efficient

Thermally efficient in helping to regulate variations in temperature
Acoustically efficient
Fire resistance is outstanding – Porotherm achieves a Class A1 ratingfor a 100mm wall
Breathable – assists in regulating humidity
No moisture shrinkage – no disruption to finishes, fewer movement joints (1:20 linear metres) and reduced risk of cracking
Maximum build volume for minimum material usage
Typically 2% waste provision for blocks
Increased building fabric efficiency, so reduced need for bolt-on enhancements
Good thermal mass
CERAM-tested air-tightness, maximised through a parge coat or wet plaster