Moisture-Safe Cold Attics in Humid Climates of Europe and North America

Jan Richter, Kamil Staněk, Jan Tywoniak and Pavel Kopecký
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Jan Richter: Department of Architecture and Environment, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University in Prague, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
Kamil Staněk: Department of Architecture and Environment, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University in Prague, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
Jan Tywoniak: Department of Architecture and Environment, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University in Prague, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic
Pavel Kopecký: Department of Architecture and Environment, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University in Prague, Trinecka 1024, 273 43 Bustehrad, Czech Republic

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-27

Abstract: During the last few decades, unheated attic spaces (so-called “cold attics”) have been one of the most moisture-problematic spaces in the building practices of Europe and North America. Problems with such spaces are usually associated with condensation, frost formation, and mould growth on the lower surfaces of the roof deck. To solve these problems, a number of qualitative studies were performed. Although these studies revealed many important pieces of information, some of them are seemingly not in accordance with one another. Therefore, there has not yet been presented cold attic design which is suitable (especially moisture-safe) for the whole target region. The aim of this paper is to determine whether such a design can be determined or state the reasons why it is not possible. Based on a review of published studies, 38 cold attic designs were selected for detailed analysis. Their comparative parameters were established, quantified, and compared. The moisture-safeness of each design was evaluated using an original approach, and the designs were sorted into groups based on their similarities. Despite many uncertainties, it was found that the criteria for moisture-safe cold attic design in the target region can likely be stated.

Keywords: cold attic; hygro-thermal; moisture-safe (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 complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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