Development and Performance Assessment of Prefabricated Insulation Elements for Deep Energy Renovation of Apartment Buildings

Peep Pihelo, Kalle Kuusk and Targo Kalamees
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Peep Pihelo: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Nearly Zero Energy Buildings Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Kalle Kuusk: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Nearly Zero Energy Buildings Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Targo Kalamees: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Nearly Zero Energy Buildings Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-20

Abstract: A need for the refurbishment and renewal of the existing building stock has been in focus for many decades, principally because of excessive global energy consumption and pollution. This paper presents a methodology and the results of analysis of choices of realizable sets of timber frame prefabricated insulation elements for major renovation of apartment buildings. Numerous combinations of elements with different characteristics were analyzed by applying measurements, interviews, and building performance simulation software, and thereupon their performance, installation eligibility, and concurrent cost levels were compared. Mineral wool board with a special wind barrier facing was found to be the best material as a wind barrier from the perspective of hygrothermal performance. An air and vapor barrier should have sufficient vapor permeability to allow dry-out of constructional moisture. It is possible to renovate apartment buildings to meet the nZEB energy performance requirements and their moisture safety can be guaranteed without paying high relative difference cost. Calculations showed that the global cost was lower for solutions with some mold growth risk. Great care is needed when decreasing costs without simultaneous hygrothermal analyses. The facade cladding was found to have the highest influence on the initial cost of the prefabricated insulation element.

Keywords: hygrothermal performance of buildings; nZEB renovation; deep energy renovation; moisture safety; prefabricated timber frame insulation elements; quality assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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