HYGROTHERMAL CONSEQUENCES OF APPLYING EXTERIOR AIR BARRIER SYSTEMS IN HIGHLY INSULATED WOOD-FRAME WALLS: A PARAMETER ANALYSIS

Author(s): Langmans, J., Vereecken, E. and Roels, S.
Paper category: Conference
Book title: XIII International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Components - XIII DBMC
Editor(s): Marco Quattrone, Vanderley M. John
Print ISBN: none
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-149-0
Publication year: 2015
Pages: 109-116
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: This paper studies the durability of timber frame wall configurations with exterior air barrier systems in various European climates. First, the hygrothermal impact of different insulation materials will be discussed for Belgium climate conditions. The simulation results demonstrate that the application of mineral wool insulated timber frame walls in combination with exterior air barriers results in increased moisture loads. Moreover, unavoidable (small) air channels between the mineral wool and the adjacent exterior air barrier significantly increase natural convection and add up to harmful moisture levels. Yet the use of cellulose insulation can avoid these issues. The second part of the paper studies the performance of these wall elements for 12 European climates. The simulation results indicate that the technique of exterior air barrier is more suitable for continental climates rather than for cold and moderate sea climates in Europe.

Online publication: 2015
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00