Interior Insulation Retrofits of Load-Bearing Masonry Walls in Cold Climates

Abstract Reducing the energy consumption of buildings has become increasingly imperative because of the combined demands of energy security, rising energy costs, and the need to reduce the environmental damage associated with energy consumption. A significant amount of research has developed guidance and technology to assist designers and owners in significantly reducing the energy consumption of new buildings. However, a vast stock of existing buildings, the great majority of which have poorly insulated enclosures, exists. Improving the energy performance of this stock of buildings will be a very important part of transitioning North America from an imported fossil fuel dependent region, to a low-carbon, self-sufficient economy. Upgrading, renovating, and converting buildings to new uses involve numerous challenges. One socially, culturally, and economically important class of buildings is load-bearing brick and stone masonry buildings. These were typically built before the Second World War. Adding insulation to the walls of such masonry buildings in cold, and particularly cold and wet, climates may cause performance and durability problems. This paper reviews the moisture control principles that must be followed for a successful insulated retrofit of a solid load-bearing masonry wall. Two possible approaches to retrofitting such walls are presented and compared.