Thermal envelope

What is the thermal envelope?

The thermal envelope of a building is a group of elements which enclose the building (floors, roofs, façades, ….) which separate the habitable spaces of the buildings from the outside environment (land, air and other buildings) and the internal partitions which separate the habitable spaces from non-habitable spaces which are in contact with the exterior environment.

The continuity and the high efficacy of the thermal protection envelope based upon modern insulation elements generates a significant difference in relation to the exposition of the materials situated on either side of the thermal envelope, which provides for enhanced internal comfort with reduced energy consumption.

WHAT ACTIONS CAN BE CARRIED OUT TO BUILDINGS IN ORDER TO SAVE ENERGY?

The main actions regarding the thermal envelope of buildings are focused on:

  • Addition of thermal insulation on the inside of the façade (if not possible on the external face).
  • Addition of thermal insulation on the external face of the façade (EIFS or ventilated façade system).
  • Replacement of window frames for others with thermal bridge break systems.
  • Replacement of windows for others with central chamber, low emissive glass and/or solar energy control.
  • Addition of insulation for the shutter blinds box.
  • Incorporation of insulation on roofs and ceilings of ground floors.

What types of materials exist?

An extensive range of insulation solutions and materials currently exist within the market. The most used solutions and materials include:

  • MW mineral wools
  • Cork
  • Fiberglass
  • Vegetable fibres
  • Cellulose
  • EPS expanded polystyrene
  • XPS extruded polystyrene
  • PUR polyurethane
  • Others…

and what thermal envelope solutions exists?

  • EIFS type solution
  • Ventilated façade type solution
  • Mixed type solution which is a combination of the foregoing solutions within a single building.

The proposals for the EFIDISTRICT project shall study the most suitable technical and economic solution for each type of building. The residents’ association which decides to carry out a building thermal envelope project shall be provided with support from qualified personnel for the implementation of the project.

EIFS SYSTEM

(Exterior insulation finishing system)

  1. Current façade wall
  2. Thermal insulation mechanically cladded to the current façade
  3. Reinforcement, fiberglass mesh over a coat of bonding mortar
  4. Base plaster
  5. Coloured plaster, new exterior finishing of the building

VENTILATED FAÇADE SYSTEM

  1. Current façade wall
  2. Thermal insulation mechanically cladded to the current façade
  3. Anchoring systems for the mechanical cladding of the exterior sheet
  4. Ventilated air chamber throughout the entire façade between the thermal insulation (2) and the exterior sheet (4)