2.1.3 Adding insulation in air chambers of walls through injection
Description
In the case of the existence of air chambers in the thermal envelope of the building to retrofit, it is possible to fill these chambers with thermal insulation. The most common methods are the injection of polyurethane (PUR) foam and cellulose.
Benefits
Ease of execution without scaffolding
Conservation of the outside appearance of the façade
Preservation of the useful surface of the housing
Minimum replacement of the original works
This solution can be used when other possibilities of insulation implementation are discarded
Limitations
Inability to effectively control foam expansion due to the frequency with which the cameras have interruptions
It cannot be used when the camera has as an end wall ventilation
The degree of control over the end result efficiency is low (auxiliary means needed: thermographic camera)
The application of these solutions involves the creation of numerous thermal bridges
Require special attention, both for the assessment of their suitability as for execution
Waterproofing of the enclosure cannot be guaranteed in any case with this system.
Economic assessment
Initial investment: low around 7 €/m2
References and best practices
First things first – insulating wall cavities: www.homeenergy.org/show/article/id/1772
- Investigation into the performance of urea formaldehyde foam insulation:
http://www.branz.co.nz/cms_show_download.php?id=476263817f61338944a0fa6e5453960d79f8a7a3
CHARACTERIZATION
Environment or playable world:
Residential
Academic
Offices
All
Carried out by:
Public building users
Owners
Operators
All
Reduce consumption of:
Heating
Cooling
DHW
Lighting
Electric devices
Type of driver:
Physical environmental
Contextual
Psychological
Physiological
Social
Time framework:
- Short term
- Long term
Type of measure:
- Envelope
- HVAC
- DHW
- Lighting
- Electrical devices
- Other