Thermal Performance Degradation of Wet Insulations in Cold Regions

Abstract

The detrimental effects of moisture accumulation in building insulation are studied for four commonly used insulation materials. The thermal conductivity at different moisture levels and at various temperature gradients has been measured using guarded hot plate and thermal conductivity probe techniques. Good correlation between the two different methods is found. The effects of moisture varies for different types of insulation, but in all cases the presence of moisture increases the thermal conductivity.