Interior Insulation Retrofits of Load-Bearing Masonry Walls in Cold Climates

Interior insulation for wall retrofitting – A probabilistic analysis of energy savings and hygrothermal risks

“…However, for buildings in an urban context, historical buildings or valuable facades [4] [5], interior insulation remains the only feasible post-insulation technique. Applying interior insulation will however significantly modify the hygrothermal performance of the wall and, as a consequence, may induce a risk on interstitial condensation [6], frost damage, mould growth and other damage patterns [7]. To reduce the risk on these damage patterns, nowadays some more innovative interior insulation systems are promoted [5][8] [9] [10].…”

Moisture Research - Optimizing Wall Assemblies

“…Red matt clay brick with a density of 120 lb/ft 3 and permeability of 0.93 perm in was used as the face brick. Solid brick extruded with a density of 103 lb/ft 3 and a permeability of 13.55 perm in was chosen as a medium-density fill brick, which is consistent with the tested properties of a typical fill brick (Straube and Schumacher 2007). …”

Energy Renovations: Volume 17: Insulation - A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners

“…Building America scientists have found spray foam to be both the most successful and practical approach to insulating the interior of both cavity and solid masonry walls (Straube 2007). Both high-density closed-cell and medium-density open-cell foam create excellent air barriers and eliminate the need for separate air sealing measures.…”

“…It is difficult to create a perfect air barrier and to get the rigid foam to adhere to the masonry at every point. Even small gaps will make the insulation less effective and create a spot for moisture to condense (Straube 2007).…”

“…Rigid insulation should be installed in amounts that permit indoor drying: Up to 2 inches of XPS or unfaced polyisocyanurate, or up to 4 inches of the more vapor-permeable EPS (Lstiburek 2006d;Straube 2007). …”