Hygrothermal Performance of a Massive Stone Wall with Interior Insulation: An In-situ Study for Developing a Retrofit Measure

Abstract

In this study, hygrothermal performance of a newly built internally insulated exterior wall of museum building was monitored by field measurements. The double leaf rubble stone wall consisted of 550 mm outer leaf, 32 mm air cavity, 100 mm mineral wool insulation/wooden framework, 150 mm inner leaf. Although a cavity with ventilation holes was included in the design, very high moisture conditions (RH≈95…99%) were present during 8 months after erection. Effects of two drying methods were tested.Analysis of the results suggests that the problems were caused by built-in moisture and erection process of such walls (either as newly built or as a renovation measure) should take it into account.