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Moisture-Related Risks in Wood-Based Retrofit Solutions in a Mediterranean Climate: Design Recommendations

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandra Urso

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Costanzo

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Francesco Nocera

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Gianpiero Evola

    (Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

Nowadays, advanced hygrothermal simulation tools are available and they are widely used to predict moisture-related risks in building components, such as mold growth and increased conductive heat losses. This paper takes advantage of these capabilities to analyze moisture-related risks in the innovative wood-based retrofit solutions, developed in the ongoing H2020 “e-SAFE” project. In particular, simulations carried out through the Delphin software for the warm Mediterranean climate of Catania (Italy) allowed assessing the effectiveness of several insulating materials used in the wall assembly and the moisture-related performance determined by adopting either a waterproof membrane or a vapor barrier in convenient positions. The results show that the solutions with highly permeable and highly moisture-capacitive insulation (e.g., wood fiber) are mold free, but at the expense of increased heat losses by up to 12%, compared to dry materials). In some circumstances, foam glass or extruded polyurethane could be preferable, due to their high resistance to mold growth and their flat sorption curve. The vapor-open waterproof membrane applied to the outer side of the insulation is suggested, while a vapor barrier on the outer side of the existing wall worsens mold-related issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Urso & Vincenzo Costanzo & Francesco Nocera & Gianpiero Evola, 2022. "Moisture-Related Risks in Wood-Based Retrofit Solutions in a Mediterranean Climate: Design Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:22:p:14706-:d:966606
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vincenzo Costanzo & Gianpiero Evola & Marco Infantone & Luigi Marletta, 2020. "Updated Typical Weather Years for the Energy Simulation of Buildings in Mediterranean Climate. A Case Study for Sicily," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    2. Gianpiero Evola & Vincenzo Costanzo & Luigi Marletta, 2021. "Hygrothermal and Acoustic Performance of Two Innovative Envelope Renovation Solutions Developed in the e-SAFE Project," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Bottino-Leone, Dario & Larcher, Marco & Troi, Alexandra & Grunewald, John, 2021. "Impact of climatic parameters on rain protection layer design for refurbished historic buildings," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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