potential for improvement

Example of a reoccuring insulation technique

As often observed, it seems to be the current construction standard to build a reinforced concrete structure first. This structure also supports the building. Then the exterior walls are usually made of double-shell brickwork. The insulation is put in between - in most cases. Thus the insulation gets interrupted by every ceiling, creating a thermal bridge that weakens the building envelope. Cold energy is now able to flow from the exterior, inside the concrete to the interior of the building. The cold energy can flow freely around the insulation so to speak, which makes the insulation ineffective. The cold energy flows directly into the floors, interior walls and ceilings, causing these operative temperatures to drop significantly. In most cases the spots most vulnerable to mold can be found in exactely those spots - corners (walls to ceiling) as well as on the ceiling along exterior walls. This observation only verifies the studies conclusions made by the 'Fraunhofer Institute'.

 

What could be a solution is putting the insulation on the outside of exterior walls and letting it run all the way through- without any interruption. By putting the insulation on the outside it will have a tremendous impact as one of the biggest thermal bridges are eliminated. Sveral benefits can be achieved by doing this only. It increases our thermal comfort, helps to prevent mold from growing and we can move our furniture closer to exterior walls because the surface (operative) temperature does not drop as much. Of course there are many other, more complex details we need to care about but this is arguably one of the biggest potentials for improvement and it should be comprehensive to everybody.