Brick and Block Wall Performance

The solid mass of a brick and block wall allows the absorption of heat, which is radiated into the house, and cavity masonry dwellings generally perform well in terms of thermal mass. Increasing thermal requirements have led to a trend to use insulated dry lining - enabling cavity constructions to achieve better U-values while still maintaining a 100mm cavity. 

Hollow-framed construction has a reputation for being more energy efficient than cavity wall construction, as it provides additional space for insulation. A number of airtight, well-insulated masonry homes have been built, however, which can outdo the best examples of low-energy timber-framed homes.