Protection against moisture caused by condensation in historic buildings – the fundamentals of building physics for reliable energy advice

Energy-efficiency refurbishments of listed buildings require far more than simply meeting energy performance standards. In historic buildings in particular, the professional management of moisture determines whether a renovation measure will be successful in the long term or will lead to damage to the valuable building fabric. Internal insulation, for example, or more airtight windows and roofs, can significantly influence a building’s moisture behaviour and present energy consultants with challenging building physics issues.

Frank-Stefan Meyer outlines the pathways of moisture transport through the building envelope, as well as factors influencing the hygrothermal behaviour of internal insulation systems and historic roof structures. He will also address the legal and regulatory framework for moisture protection in energy consultancy.

The lecture is aimed at professionals in the construction industry whose consultancy or planning work involves the energy-efficient refurbishment of historic buildings. The aim is to raise awareness amongst this audience of the importance of moisture protection against condensation in the context of energy-efficiency measures, and to demonstrate that climate protection and energy efficiency are not at odds with the preservation of historic buildings.