Comparative thermal response of internally and externally insulated houses

Ji, Y; Webster, PJ

Abstract

When retrofitting older properties with solid outer walls additional insulation if required has to be added to the inner or outer surfaces of the outer wall. The choice and viability of either of these solutions is largely determined by cost, appearance, room dimensions and the physical practicalities and details of fitting the insulation, particularly at openings. Less attention is often paid to the change in thermal response of the buildings that result from internal and external insulation. This paper describes and compares the modelled dynamical thermal responses of a retrofitted traditional solid-walled house when externally or internally clad with insulation. A set of parametric studies was carried out using dynamic thermal simulations coupled with a nodal network airflow model, to evaluate the thermal responses of a Victorian type end-terrace house using current Test Reference Year (TRY) weather data as well as the ‘morphed’ future weather data. The simulation results demonstrate the likely performance of the house with various retrofit measures, having implications for occupant comfort, for seasonal heating and cooling strategies, and for overheating evaluation during summer if ventilated passively. The responses in cold winter and hot summer conditions are significantly different showing characteristics typical of heavyweight and lightweight constructions.

Citation

Ji, Y., & Webster, P. (2012, January). Comparative thermal response of internally and externally insulated houses. Presented at Retrofit 2012, The Lowry, Salford Quays, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Retrofit 2012
• Conference Location: The Lowry, Salford Quays, UK
• Start Date: Jan 24, 2012
• End Date: Jan 26, 2012
• Publication Date: Jan 26, 2012
• Deposit Date: Sep 11, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 11, 2018
• Publisher URL: http://staff.salford.ac.uk/newsitem/2332
• Related Public URLs: http://www.eauc.org.uk/shop/mms_single_event.php?event_id=2034
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference