Abstract
The application of exterior insulation in both new construction and retrofits is a common practice to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. In addition to increased thermal performance, the rigid insulation can serve to keep the sheathing board warm and serve as a water-resistive barrier to keep moisture-related problems due to condensation and wind-driven rain. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid boards have a higher thermal resistance in comparison to other commonly used exterior insulation boards. However, because of its perceived lower permeance, its use as exterior insulation is not very common. In this study, the hygrothermal property of PIR boards with different facer types and thicknesses is characterized. The material data obtained through experimental test and extrapolation is used in a long term hygrothermal performance assessment of a wood frame wall with PIR boards as exterior insulation. Results show that PIR with no facer has the smallest accumulated moisture on the sheathing board in comparison to other insulation boards. Walls with a bigger thickness of exterior insulation perform better when no vapor barrier is used. The PIR exterior insulation supports the moisture control strategy well in colder climates in perfect wall scenarios, where there is no air leakage and moisture intrusion. In cases where there is trapped moisture, the sheathing board has a higher moisture content with PIR boards with both aluminum or fiberglass type facers. An innovative facer material development for PIR boards can help efforts targeting improved energy-efficient and durable wall systems.
Highlights
The ever-increasing demand from building codes for improved energy efficiency and society’s increasing awareness of environmental sustainability is driving the building construction and manufacturing industries to develop innovative solutions for durable, high-performance buildings
Regarding material characterization and hygrothermal performance assessment, relatively smaller research studies are reported in comparison to the thermal performance of exterior insulation
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term hygrothermal performance of wall systems with PIR exterior insulation
Summary
The ever-increasing demand from building codes for improved energy efficiency and society’s increasing awareness of environmental sustainability is driving the building construction and manufacturing industries to develop innovative solutions for durable, high-performance buildings. It is Materials 2020, 13, 3373; doi:10.3390/ma13153373 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials. Materials 2020, 13, 3373 well documented that the application of exterior insulation increases the overall thermal performance of new construction and retrofits [1,2,3,4,5]. Regarding material characterization and hygrothermal performance assessment, relatively smaller research studies are reported in comparison to the thermal performance of exterior insulation
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