Insulating a Solid Brick Wall from Inside: Heat and Moisture Transfer Analysis of Different Options
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 1
Abstract
In the present paper, the thermohygrometric performances of a clay brick wall, with reference to the typical northern Italy’s historical building envelopes, improved with an insulating layer on the inner side, are analyzed. Five alternative insulation materials have been compared: calcium silicate hydrates, fiberwood, expanded polystyrene, stone wool, and aerogel. The dynamic calculation tool WUFI (Wärme Und Feuchte Instationär) was adopted for simulating the realistic transient hygrothermal behavior of the multilayer building components exposed to natural local weather. Based on the climatic data of Turin and Tarvisio, chosen as representatives of the northern Italy urban centers and mountain localities, respectively, rain and solar radiation effects, water content distribution through the multilayered wall, mold formation in critical areas of the wall, and heat and vapor flows through the wall surfaces have been evaluated. Finally, the vapor barriers installation affecting the amount of condensate have been considered and compared with the prediction of the simplified steady-state Glaser method commonly adopted in the professional practice of building design. The results of the study indicate that a deep knowledge of the thermohygrometric performance of the wall assembly, together with a reliable/realistic condensation risk analysis, are key factors for a proper internal wall insulation, with particular reference to the actual need of the vapor barrier.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank Professor Andrea Campioli, Politecnico di Milano—Dept. Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering—ABC, for the precious suggestions.
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Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 25 • Issue 1 • March 2019
Copyright
© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 16, 2017
Accepted: Jun 7, 2018
Published online: Oct 17, 2018
Published in print: Mar 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Mar 17, 2019
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