COMPARATIVE TESTS ON THE CHANGE OF MATERIAL PROPERTIESOF THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS UNDER DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

Saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for both the buildings and the construction sector. Heating of our buildings requires the burning fossil fuels, which can be significantly reduced by insulating the building envelope. Nowadays, the thermal insulation of our buildings is essential. There are several important, well-known data about the most thermal insulation materials, but we have negligible information about the change of their material properties under installation conditions or if they are already exposed to additional stresses due to structural failures and damages. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in material properties of three common thermal insulation materials when installed in a flat roof or facade and exposed to excess moisture due to the damage of waterproofing or façade and/or when exposed to direct strong sunlight.