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 publicationMultiphysics and Multiscale Building Physics : Proceedings of the 9th International Building Physics Conference (IBPC 2024)
EditorsU. Berardi
PublisherSpringer
Pages488–494
ISBN (Print)978-981-97-8312-0
ISBN (Electronic)978-981-97-8313-7
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2025
Event9th International Buildings Physics Conference - Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
Duration: 25 Jul 202427 Jul 2024

Conference

Conference9th International Buildings Physics Conference
LocationToronto Metropolitan University
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period25/07/202427/07/2024
SeriesLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Volume552
ISSN2366-2557

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