Computational simulation of hygrothermal processes in historical building envelopes provided with interior thermal insulation

Abstract

Interior thermal insulation systems are an integral part of retrofitting works, especially when historical buildings are taken into account. In this paper, three different insulation materials (mineral wool, calcium silicate, and sheep wool) were investigated in order to assess their suitability for the application in historical buildings. First, the basic physical, hygric and thermal properties of those materials were measured in laboratory conditions and then a series of computational simulations was carried out. Finally, based on the simulation results, the hygrothermal response was analyzed and several conclusions were drawn. The presented results proved all materials suitable for application in interior thermal insulation systems but some differences in the hygrothermal response of individual materials were observed.