Enhancing Performance of Internally Insulated Solid Masonry Wall: Use of Moisture Adaptive Membranes

Nickolaj Feldt Jensen, Ruut Hannele Peuhkuri, Ernst Jan de Place Hansen, Panagiota Pagoni, Eva Møller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Moisture-safe retrofitting and energy optimization of facades in existing buildings may be challenging, especially for buildings with preservation-worthy or histori-cal facades. Internal insulation changes the hygrothermal conditions of the origi-nal wall and may cause several problems, like biological growth and masonry de-terioration.

This paper explores the use of moisture-adaptive membranes as an additional moisture control measure for safe retrofitting with internal insulation. The results are based on WUFI® Pro simulations. Parameters like minimal and maximal vapour diffusion resistance, relative humidity (RH) range at which the membrane is most diffusion-open and -tight, indoor humidity class, orientation, and insulation type are varied and evaluated with a theoretical mould growth model.

Results indicate that the adaptive membrane should already be highly dif-fusion-open at around 75% RH and highly diffusion-tight in periods with low RH (up to around 40%). Results indicate that this would ensure a moisture-safe construction in humidity classes 2-4 using mineral wool. When using organic in-sulation materials, there might be a risk in humidity class 4.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of IBPC2024 : 9th International Building Physics Conference
PublisherInternational Association of Building Physics
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024
Event9th International Building Physics Conference - Toronto, Canada
Duration: 25 Jul 202427 Jul 2024

Conference

Conference9th International Building Physics Conference
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period25/07/202427/07/2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Enhancing Performance of Internally Insulated Solid Masonry Wall: Use of Moisture Adaptive Membranes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this