Insulation & Airtightness Continuity Report with Shadow Study

Insulation Continuity and Airtightness in Construction with Solar Study

Student Name: Jonathan Flanagan Student Number: G00262330 Date: 21/01/15 Revision: 01

Galway Mayo Institute of technology

2 | P a g e

Table of Contents Cluain Mhuire Seminary Background ..................................................................................................... 3

Insulation Continuity ............................................................................................................................... 4

Airtightness ........................................................................................................................................... 19

Solar Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 25

References ............................................................................................................................................ 28


3 | P a g e

Cluain Mhuire Seminary Background

Fig. 1.1 Cluain Mhuire Seminary

Cluain Mhuire Campus was built in 1920 and is located in Wellpark, on the Monivea

Road approximately one mile from the city centre. Its original function was that of a

Redemptorist Monastery which opened its doors in c.1940 for students that were

undergoing training for the priesthood. The G.M.I.T. campus was later founded in

1998 is currently in operation as the Centre for Creative Arts and Media specialising

in courses in art & design, textiles and film & documentary. The Campus is listed on

the NIAH website as being listed as a protected structure

The chapel sits east of the main four storey monastery building, it features high

ceilings with trussed arches, stained glass windows (some damaged due to

vandalism) and hand cut limestone masonry and externals stone walls with a

thickness of 620mm. The altar is to the South of the building with a number of

confessional boxes featuring arched entrances along each side wall. There is a

narrow stairway to the rear of the building leading up to a gallery overhead. A small

sacristy is located to the South-West of the chapel just off the main alter with its own

entrance door. The site itself is not extremely historic as seen from the old the OSI

maps of Galway. The monastery was built on a blank site. In our Detail & Design

project we are required to provide a new modern extension on the existing site and

also carry out retrofitting and refurbishments on the existing protected structure, this

ties in with our Innovative Architecture module as we are to improve the buildings

energy standards. The fact that it is a protected structure may limit our design

interventions to the buildings envelope. Airtightness and insulation will be looked at

in depth in order for us to achieve the energy standards required for both the existing

buildings and its extension.


4 | P a g e

Insulation Continuity

What are U-values?

Put simply, a U-value is a measure of the rate at which a material loses heat built up

inside it. A high U-value in a material demonstrates a poor thermal performance and

a low U-value indicates a good thermal performance. We want good thermal

performance of course.

U-values are one of the most important factors in predicting how a building will

perform in terms of energy efficiency and carbon emissions.

All new building projects and upgrades to existing structures must comply with the

building regulations set out in TGD Part L 2008 for buildings other than dwellings and

TGD Part L 2011 for dwellings. U values are first calculated at the early stages of a

project to meet these requirements.

Fig. 1.2 Table 2 Elemental Heat Loss Method TGD Part L (2008)

This table is extracted from TGD Part L and shows U-values required to meet the requirements set out in the document at or below these values at different parts of the buildings envelope. It is smart to follow these regulations especially if you want to future proof your design, in this case you will try to achieve the lowest U value possible for each element of the building which will have you crossing over into the realm of the passive house standard. The most important parts of this table that are relevant to my project have been highlighted in red.


5 | P a g e

Variety of Insulation: There is an abundance of Insulations available from many different manufactures at home here in Ireland and Internationally with some manufacturers providing environmentally friendly options. Different thicknesses and material properties will have different U values associated with them. Natural low density Insulation’s like sheeps wool would require a larger dimensional thickness than a high denisty Insulation. This section of the report will highlight the most suitable options that can be used in the extension and existing structures build up.

Existing Wall

Fig. 1.3 West facade of existing chapel structure


6 | P a g e

Below we can see the existing external masonry wall built up inside u-wert.net U-

value calculator, it is currently achieving a U-value of 2.07 W/m2K which is showing

us that the building is suffering in its thermal efficiency.

Fig. 1.4 U-wert.net U-value calculator

Fig. 1.5 U-wert.net Illustration of the different layers within the wall build up


7 | P a g e

For the existing building and new extension I have decided on a choice of three

different Insulations to test and report upon:

Existing Proposal:

Aspen Aerogel Spaceloft

Fig. 1.6 Aspen Aergoel Spaceloft 10mm blanket

Aspen Aerogels' Spaceloft® is a flexible aerogel composite blanket designed for

insulating buildings. It can be used both externally and internally on existing or new

walls and is screw fixed to surfaces using thermally broken mushroom head fixings

that ensures no cold bridging.

The following is a list of Aerogel spacelofts’s physical characteristics:

Lambda 14mW/mK to 18mW/mK

5mm & 10mm blanket thicknesses

Excellent Vapour permeability (μ = 5), Extremely Hydrophobic – withstand hydrostatic Head test to 80cm

Euro Fire class C or A2

Will not promote mould growth, first class indoor air quality test result

Good impact sound absorption, up to 20% light transmission

This product is considered to have a clean environmental profile.


8 | P a g e

Proposed Wall Build up with Aerogel Space loft inside U-wert.net calculator:


As we can see if we use 20mm of Aerogel Space loft within the above wall build up

we shall achieve a U-Value of 0.54 W/m2K which falls within the TGD Part L (2008)

requirements for our external walls to achieve a U-value under 0.60 W/m2K for

alterations to existing buildings.



9 | P a g e

Gutex Multitherm

Fig. 1.9 Gutex Multitherm

Gutex Multitherm is a moisture resistant insulation wood fibreboard with single-ply

construction and homogeneous cross section, it is an ideal sarking board for exterior

walls under facade facing.

The following is a list of Gutex Multitherm’s physical characteristics:

Uniform board dimensions make installation quicker and easier

Homogeneous, single-ply construction

Makes structures wind-tight

Superior moisture resistance due to hydrophobic treatment

Ideal for upgrading the thermal insulation of existing structures

Reduces thermal bridging

Maximum protection against the heat in summer

Significantly improves soundproofing

Regulates humidity

Allows vapour diffusion

Wood is a sustainable, recyclable natural resource (natureplus® certified)


10 | P a g e

Proposed Wall Build up with Gutex Multitherm inside U-wert.net calculator:


As we can see if we use 40mm of Gutex Multitherm within the above wall build up






11 | P a g e

Calsitherm Climate Board

Fig. 1.12 Calsitherm Climate Board

Calsitherm climate board is a very good choice for insulating historic and heritage buildings

with stone masonry walls which require insulation to avoid degradation and damage while at

the same time balancing a strong thermal performance with breathability and protection

against moisture.

Calsitherm is manufactured from calcium silicate which is a micro porous rigid insulating

material which allows an existing stone wall to breathe whilst lowering the buildings energy

consumption. It is installed internally within a building, which fits in with the requirements not

to make alterations to the external façade and is made available in sheet 30mm and 50mm

in thickness. It also inhibits the spread of mould because of its high pH value.

Fig. 1.13 Calsitherm applied around an arched doorway


12 | P a g e

The following is a list of Calsitherm’s climate board physical characteristics:

Reduced heating costs Easy to work with and install Increased value of the restored building Improvement of room climate Custom profiles available Interior insulation of existing buildings Maintain brick-, stucco- and ornamental facades with additional thermal

insulation Effective utilization of the heating system when quickly heating interior rooms

in public buildings,meeting rooms and offices Humidity control and generation of a healthy room climate in hospitals and

charitable institutions Increase in comfort and mould damage prevention Dry Bulk Density: 200 - 240 kg/m³ Thermal Conductivity: 0.066 W/mK Measured Thermal Conductivity: 0,059 W/mK

Water Vapour Transmission Rate: 6

Porosity: 90%

Proposed Wall Build up with Calsitherm inside U-wert.net calculator:


As we can see if we use 60mm of Calsitherm within the above wall build up we shall

achieve a U-Value of 0.57 W/m2K which falls within the TGD Part L (2008)




13 | P a g e


Note: Lime plaster layer on the internal envelope to provide airtightness layer and

allow masonry wall to breathe

Extension Proposal:

Gutex Multitherm

Proposed Wall Build up with Gutex Multitherm inside U-wert.net calculator:



14 | P a g e

As we can see if we use 130mm of Gutex Multitherm within the above wall build

up we shall achieve a U-Value of 0.26 W/m2K which falls within the TGD Part L

(2008) requirements for our external walls to achieve a U-value under 0.27

W/m2K for new buildings and extensions.


Aerogel Space Loft

Proposed Wall Build up with Aerogel inside U-wert.net calculator:



15 | P a g e

As we can see if we use 60mm of Aerogel Space Loft within the above floor build up


requirements for our external walls to achieve a U-value under 0.27 W/m2K for new

buildings and extensions.


Decided Insulations:

Existing Chapel

For the existing chapel building I have decided to use Calsitherm as the choice of

interior insulation.

Fig. 1.20 Sample of Calsitherm

Reasons for deciding upon this insulation:

Prevents the spread and growth of mould on walls which the chapel suffers

from

Enables wall to breathe preventing the build-up of moisture.


16 | P a g e

Achieves a high performance U-value at a mere 80mm in thickness when

applied internally.

Custom profiles available as there will be a need for this option as the existing

building has many different wall profiles.

Environmentally friendly.

Improves quality of air and thermal comfort

For the extension building I have decided to use Gutex Multitherm as the choice of

insulation.

Reasons for deciding upon this:

Makes structures air-tight.

Moisture resistant due to its hydrophobic treatment.

Reduction in thermal bridging.

Provides protection against heat in summer months.

Acts as a great soundproofing material as extension is located next to a road.

Allows walls to breathe.

Cheaper than Aerogel.

Improves quality of air and thermal comfort.


17 | P a g e

Floor and Roof Choice with calculations:

Proposed Roof Build up with Gutex Thermoflat inside U-wert.net calculator:


As we can see if we use 160mm of Gutex Thermoflat in our roof build up we shall

achieve a U-Value of 0.22 W/m2K which falls within the TGD Part L (2008)



Fig. 1.22 U-wert.net Illustration of the different layers within the roof build up


18 | P a g e

Proposed Floor Build up with Gutex ThermoFloor inside U-wert.net calculator:


As we can see if we use 140mm Gutex Thermofloor within the above floor build up




Fig. 1.24 U-wert.net Illustration of the different layers within the floor build up


19 | P a g e

Airtightness

Airtightness is the resistance to inward or outward flowing air leakage through

unintentional leakage points through gaps and cracks in a buildings envelope. It is

influenced by the air pressure and temperature differences inside and outside of a

building. It can fluctuate accordingly to changes in the weather.

Fig. 1.25 Locations of air leakage in a building

Correct airtightness procedures and installations will remove unwanted draughts in a

building that not only affects human comfort within a building but will also remove

mould growth, condensation, rot and high moisture levels.

There are many reasons and benefits for making your structure airtight. It saves on

energy consumption to heat the building as studies show that air leakage accounts

for 50% total heat loss in leaky buildings. If you then make these buildings airtight

you will see that cost savings on the heating bills alone, this also contributes to

reduced C02 emissions created from heating systems. In a standard medium sized

office complex, the energy savings made each year in an airtight building are 700GJ

which converts to the reduction of 48 tonnes of C02.Other benefits include reduced

need for heating systems resulting in savings in running costs and plant room sizes.

To determine how airtight a building may be, you must carry out an airtightness test

using the blower door system. A door with a variable speed fan and controls is

placed around the jambs of an external open door of a building, all other external

doors and windows are shut and internal doors and windows are left open. The

operator turns it on and forces air into the building at a rate of 50 pascals and

records the current air leakage with a laptop that is connected to the blower door

sensors.


20 | P a g e

Fig. 1.26 Blower door test setup on external door of a house

The result should achieve an airtightness of five air changes per hour at fifty pascals

or lower to be certified as being airtight and fall within the requirements of TGD Part

F (2009).

Airtightness Membranes and sealants

There are many different methods you can employ at the detail and specification

stages of your building design to promote airtightness in a building.

There are many different types of elastic and elastomeric gun applied sealants that

can be applied to movement joints in heavy structures, lightweight wall components

and joints between metals and plastics, that allow movement tolerances up to 50%.

The only drawback is that these sealants have an expected life span of 20 years and

need to be reapplied after, these are costly sealants to invest in for making your

building airtight. Service channels and route penetrations passing through floors and

walls must also be detailed to be airtight.

There are also new intelligent membranes arriving on the market with the ever

increasing need for making buildings air tight. One of the company’s that is prevalent

in Ireland promoted by Ecological Building Systems Ireland is Pro Clima which have

a range of membranes, tape seals and gun applied adhesive sealants.


21 | P a g e

Pro Clima Intello Plus

Fig. 1.27 Intello Plus Applied tover insulation and Rafters

The most efficient air tightness membrane they have on offer is the Pro Clima Intello

Plus, it acts as both an air tightness and vapour check layer. Offers a greater

protection to all thermal insulation in walls, roofs and floors. Has a high diffusion

airtightness in the winter season and a greater diffusion openness in the summer

season. It allows for rapid drying in summer due to its low diffusion resistance. It is

very durable and is fully recyclable and has a high nail tear resistance due to its

reinforcing layer.

Pro Clima DA Membrane

Fig. 1.28 Pro Clima DA Membrane Overlapped and sealed

Is an airtighness membrane and vapour check layer for installing above roof rafter insulation and as a general vapor check layer. Provides protection against weather during the construction phases of a project and is water resistant and water proof.


22 | P a g e

There is also a range of gun applied and tape adhesive sealants available on the

market from Pro Clima.

Orcon F

Fig. 1.29 Bead of Orcon F applied at base of Pro Clima membrane

Is a multipurpose flexible joint adhesive for interior and exterior applications, it has a

high adhesive strength on substrates, creates airtight outdoor joints for exterior

roofing refurbishments. Provides wind proof bonding of roof under lays. Has a high

resistance to humidity and on site durability as it is a solid acrylic glue.

Tescon No.1

Fig. 1.30 Tescon No.1

Is a flexible multi-purpose adhesive tape for bonding interior and exterior airtightness overlaps and joints


23 | P a g e

It is used to create a airtight permanent seal between overlaps of membranes, roof underlays and joints between membranes and smooth surface such as OSB, Plaster boards, window frames and door frames. It also creates a sealant for service penetrations.

Tescon Profil

Fig. 1.31 Tescon Profil

Tescon Profil is used to seal angled joints and corners which is suitable for sealing around reveals at windows, doors, planed timber, corners and roof light windows. It also provides a grat protection against piercing in corners due to its strong adhesive quality.

Choices of membrane adhesive and tapes:

From my research into airtightness tapes, membranes and adhesive sealants I have come up with the choices I will be using to make my extension and existing building airtight.

Here are the following choices with reasons for doing so:

Pro Clima Intello Plus Membrane

Proclima Tescon No.1 Adhesive Tape

Orocon F adhesive Sealant

Will be used in the extension building as it provides high diffusion tightness in winter

and maximum diffusion openness in summer. It offers the solution to structures that

are difficult to protect against condensation e.g. flat roofs, which the extension

contains. It protects against the growth of mould which is prevalent in my existing

structure, which would also be of benefit to the buildings occupants. It also lasts upto

60 years and is fully recyclable.

Tescon No.1 will be used to seal joints between breaking and overlapping Intello

membranes so that there is a continuity of airtightness throughout the building. The

tape also lasts upto 60 years when applied.


24 | P a g e

To seal Joints between Airtightness layers and substrates a bead of Orcon F will be applied to these surfaces to make them airtight with each other.

For the existing building providing an airtightness layer is not an option as the external walls are made from limestone which is suffering from moisture penetration from the rain, installing an airtightness membrane would stop the wall from breathing which it needs to do so to dry out the already penetrating moisture when it can.

It is not viable to make the external wall moisture resistant as this would alter the external fabric of the building which is not allowed from a protected structures point of view.Therefore a lime plaster mix installed internally will have to suffice to act as a airtghtness layer.


25 | P a g e

Solar Analysis

Methodology A solar analysis was carried out using Revits Sun Path and Shadow display and settings to show how shadows were cast upon the existing structure, proposed structure and other surrounding buildings. The solar analysis consisted of setting up these views at different times of the year as well as at different times of the day as follows: March 21st @ intervals of 09:00 am - 12:00pm – 03:00pm – 06:00pm June 21st @ intervals of 09:00 am - 12:00pm – 03:00pm – 06:00pm December 21st @ intervals of 09:00 am - 12:00pm – 03:00pm – 06:00pm

These dates and times were set in the sun paths settings in revit and the location of the site was also set in revit to display the most accurate shadows upon the structures.

Fig. 1.32 Screen shot of sun settings within Revit

The shadows were then enabled in revit and plan views were taken in the 3D model space to show how these shadows were cast at the different date and time intervals.


26 | P a g e

Fig. 1.33 Screenshot of Sun Path and Shadows

Sun Light Analysis / Shadow Study The full illustrated analysis can be viewed on the Sun Light / Shadow Study Drawing provided with this report. On the 21st of March throughout the day starting from 09:00 am the chapel overshadows the extension and the main building overshadows the chapel up until 03:00pm. It then shifts and the Northwest façade of both the chapel and extension get the benefit of the sun. By 04:30pm the chapel and extension are still benefitting from the sun. On the 21st of June throughout the day starting from 09:00 am the chapel overshadows the extension and the main building overshadows the chapel up until 03:00pm. It then shifts and the Northwest façade of both the chapel and extension get the benefit of the sun. By 04:30pm the chapel and extension are still benefitting from the sun. On the 21st of December throughout the day starting from 09:00 am throughout the day starting from 09:00 am the chapel overshadows the extension and the main building overshadows the chapel. At 03:00pm the chapel and extension are still overshadowed. By 04:30pm the chapel is benefitting from the sun and the extensions northwest façade begins to benefit from sunlight.


27 | P a g e

Conclusion To Comply with Part L regulations of the Technical Guidance Documents I would propose to incorporate Photovoltaic Solar Panels into the extensions West Elevation Facade, this area of the building would benefit mostly from the sun’s rays and heat based on my analysis. I could also achieve this with another alternative by placing Inkjet Printed Solar Cells on to the glazing of that portion of the building which could also serve as an artistic design for the facade. The building would also benefit from heat genereated from soalr gain through the glazing and the extensions exterior fabric.


28 | P a g e

References Photographic

Fig. 1.1 Cluain Mhuire Seminary - Killian Deveraux, Arman Barazenda

Fig. 1.2 Table 2 Elemental Heat Loss Method - TGD Part L (2008)

Fig. 1.3 West facade of existing chapel structure - Killian Deveraux, Arman Barazenda

Fig. 1.4 U-wert.net U-value calculator - Jonathan Flanagan

Fig. 1.5 U-wert.net Illustration of the different layers within the wall build up - Jonathan Flanagan

Fig. 1.6 Aspen Aergoel Spaceloft 10mm blanket -

http://www.jetsongreen.com/images/old/6a00d8341c67ce53ef01287766b820970c-500wi.jpg



Fig. 1.9 Gutex Multitherm - http://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/workspace/images/products/Multitherm_160_kl.JPG



Fig. 1.12 Calsitherm Climate Board - http://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/workspace/images/products/Calsitherm-

Boards.GIF

Fig. 1.13 Calsitherm applied around an arched doorway -

http://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/workspace/images/products/Calsitherm-Installation.GIF







Fig. 1.19 U-wert.net Illustration of the different layers within the wall build up – Jonathan Flanagan

Fig. 1.20 Sample of Calsitherm - http://markstephensarchitectss.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_7578.jpg?w=300&h=200

Fig. 1.21 U-wert.net U-value calculator – Jonathan Flanagan

Fig. 1.22 U-wert.net Illustration of the different layers within the roof build up - Jonathan Flanagan


Fig. 1.24 U-wert.net Illustration of the different layers within the floor build up - Jonathan Flanagan

Fig. 1.25 Locations of air leakage in a building - http://www.energyexams.com/images/pie_chart_0000.jpg

Fig. 1.26 Blower door test setup on external door of a house -

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/BlowerDoor.jpg


29 | P a g e

Fig. 1.27 Intello Plus Applied tover insulation and Rafters -

http://de.proclima.com/media/gallery/INTELLO_.jpg.674x252_q95_crop_box-%5B0,%203,%20674,%20257%5D_image_id-

620.jpg

Fig. 1.28 Pro Clima DA Membrane Overlapped and sealed -https://www.isoproc.be/images/uploads/products/pro_clima/DA/pro-clima-DA-DUPLEX-regendicht-damprem-lcuhtdichting-bebording-renovatie-dak-sarking-etancheite-air-frein-vapeur-resistance-pluie-voligeage-renovation-toiture.jpg

Fig. 1.29 Bead of Orcon F applied at base of Pro Clima membrane -https://www.isoproc.be/images/uploads/products/pro_clima/Lijm/pro-clima-ORCON-lijm-luchtdichting-beton-verbinding-vloer-baan-colle-etancheite-air-sol-membrane-accordement.jpg

Fig. 1.30 Tescon No.1 -http://buildingindustry.org/bundles/brainforcefrontend/images/uploads/posts/original/images/5I/Innovations/72b375162edf45ef086a7357fb3ff204.jpg

Fig. 1.31 Tescon Profil -http://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/workspace/images/products/p_tescon_profil_02_150x100_cmyk.jpg

Fig. 1.32 Screen shot of sun settings within Revit - Jonathan Flanagan

Fig. 1.33 Screenshot of Sun Path and shadows - Jonathan Flanagan

Date post:	14-Apr-2017
Category:	Design
Upload:	jonathan-flanagan
View:	332 times
Download:	1 times