 Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research.  You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain  You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.

The hygrothermal conditions in historic solid masonry are expected to change for the worse, with the application of internal insulation. Nevertheless, internal insulation plays a role in a holistic energy retrofit of historic buildings. With careful considerations and correct application, hydrophobic treatment may help remedy moisture ingress from external rain loads. This study includes experimental investigations of the effect on hygrothermal performance of various hydrophobization treatments on both brick and air lime mortar. An investigation of water migration through masonry applied with imitated climatic loads is also reported. The study showed a larger efficiency of hydrophobization on specimens of brick compared to the efficiency of hydrophobization of specimens of air lime mortar, which may be problematic in cases where mortar joints are the primary means for water ingress. Silane-based treatments generally proved to be most efficient in brick, whereas a variety of other active components were most successful in air lime mortar treatment. The investigation of water migration showed a distinct effect of silane, cream hydrophobization, though most evident in the external part of the brick.

This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Highlights Wind-driven rain (WDR) quantification experimentally on 2 case buildings  Effect of WDR on hygrothermal conditions in internally insulated masonry studied  Numerical simulations to determine WDR effect on hygrothermal performance  WDR models were found to overestimate WDR deposition  Direct influence of WDR events on RH behind insulation was not detected

Naturally ventilated cold attics are traditional in many Danish single-family homes. The moisture balance of these attics is dependent on sufficient ventilation for removal of excess moisture. Moisture is generated in the dwelling below, and transported to attic spaces through convection and diffusion. Therefore, airtight ceilings are vital for reduction of excess moisture, which may yield mould growth in the attic. If mould spores migrate to the dwelling it can cause risk of health concerns for occupants. The presents study includes analysis of tracer gas and temperature/relative humidity measurements, in 30 dwellings/attics. The measurements yielded results of both air change rates in attics and dwellings, as well as air exchange between the two zones. Four of 30 houses, met the recommended air change rate of 0.5 h−1, and only in summer. The air change rate in the attics was found to be higher, and with larger variation compared to the dwelling. Visible mould growth was found in three attics, which all exhibited low air change rates. Air exchange between zones occurred in houses both with and without vapour barriers. The downward air exchange in summer, was however slightly larger in cases without vapour barriers. These results highlight the importance of airtight ceilings for both dwelling and attic performance.

No abstract