Hebel product.

berniebgf · Apr 06, 2008 5:06 pm

Notice that some of houses posted here are built with Hebel...
Didn't know anything about it so have a quick browse via Google....

Would be intrested in knowing the following if anyone knows...

1. Do many Builder / designers offer Hebel as an option? is it common?
2. Is it cheaper or more expensive than brick?
3. I presume you just render over it? is this right?

Thanks.

Bernie,.

to_do_list · Apr 06, 2008 5:21 pm

Everything you wanted to know about Hebel and probably stuff you don't want to know...

http://www.liteweight2000.com.au/manual.htm

Rendering in particular:

http://www.liteweight2000.com.au/manual/9.3.pdf

The only builder I came across that used Hebel as standard was Boutique Homes in Melbourne although I'm sure there's more.

As I understand it the product is more expensive per sqm than brick but you save on the construction cost - goes up quicker, much much lighter, easy to work with as you can cut it with a panel saw - and I'm not sure if you need to be a brickie. It was still marginally more expensive than brickwork but you also get the benefit of improved sound and thermal insulation.

Although I have no first hand experience with use.

DeeElle · Apr 09, 2008 1:20 am

berniebgf

Notice that some of houses posted here are built with Hebel...
Didn't know anything about it so have a quick browse via Google....

Would be intrested in knowing the following if anyone knows...

1. Do many Builder / designers offer Hebel as an option? is it common?
2. Is it cheaper or more expensive than brick?
3. I presume you just render over it? is this right?

Thanks.

Bernie,.

We are building with hebel at the moment. Most builders will use Hebel if you ask them ... some builders use it exclusively and therefore probably get it at a lower price than your standard brick builders.

As mentioned previously its more expensive to buy but cheaper to install. You do need skilled people to apply it as it can 'bulge' at the joints if set incorrectly. Hebel is pretty common in SA - most builders will use it if asked.

Hebel is often recommended for ppl with asthma, has good thermal & insulating properties, goes up fairly quickly, has a lower environmental impact (not in its manufacture but overall long term GHG savings) than brick for example, but it takes 2 ppl to lift into place and you have to fully render the house. You can tell if the hebel has been done well ... after the render is applied it can look pretty awful or excellent - depending on the subbies.

We like it ... but its not everyone's cup of tea

. We have some pics on our update on the building forum.