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Energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for reducing environmental impact and improve indoor comfort. Minimising thermal losses through walls is key, also in historic buildings where external insulation is impractical. Internal insulation offers a solution but requires careful design to prevent moisture issues. In this respect, smart vapour retarders (SVRs) represent a promising solution, blocking vapour diffusion in winter and allowing drying in summer. However, knowledge on SVRs is still incomplete, and their role in internal insulation needs further study. This study addresses the influence of climate, wall construction, orientation, and indoor conditions on the hygrothermal performance of brick walls with internal insulation and vapour retarders. The aim is to identify scenarios where SVRs are particularly beneficial by varying the parameters which have relevant impact on the wall´s hygrothermal performance. To achieve this, 14,000 configurations are considered by means of hygrothermal simulation with the software Delphin. The mould growth index behind the insulation is investigated by comparing systems presenting variable vapour retarders with diffusion-open systems. Different insulation materials, such as mineral wool, blown cellulose, expanded polyurethane and calcium silicate, are investigated.

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Internal Insulation Systems with Smart Vapour Retarders: Hygrothermal Performance Across European Climates

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Marianna Muchorowska,
  • Michele Bianchi Janetti,
  • Albert Rössler,
  • Thomas Höfer,
  • Oliver Strube,
  • Thomas Mathis

摘要

Energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for reducing environmental impact and improve indoor comfort. Minimising thermal losses through walls is key, also in historic buildings where external insulation is impractical. Internal insulation offers a solution but requires careful design to prevent moisture issues. In this respect, smart vapour retarders (SVRs) represent a promising solution, blocking vapour diffusion in winter and allowing drying in summer. However, knowledge on SVRs is still incomplete, and their role in internal insulation needs further study. This study addresses the influence of climate, wall construction, orientation, and indoor conditions on the hygrothermal performance of brick walls with internal insulation and vapour retarders. The aim is to identify scenarios where SVRs are particularly beneficial by varying the parameters which have relevant impact on the wall´s hygrothermal performance. To achieve this, 14,000 configurations are considered by means of hygrothermal simulation with the software Delphin. The mould growth index behind the insulation is investigated by comparing systems presenting variable vapour retarders with diffusion-open systems. Different insulation materials, such as mineral wool, blown cellulose, expanded polyurethane and calcium silicate, are investigated.