Ecological Insulation Materials are growing in popularity, but until now their share of the European insulation market is below 10%. The problem is that architects, engineers or builders have too little information about the advantages and the correct application of these materials. For common insulation materials (mineral wool, polystyrene foam) the hygrothermal material properties are well-known but not enough data are available for ecological insulation materials. Since they usually have rather high hygroscopic moisture contents, building standards prescribe that a formal increase be added to measured dry values to arrive at the design values for thermal conductivity. By combination of measurement and calculation of the heat flux in a hot plate apparatus [1] it is possible to investigate the hygrothermal processes involved in these measurements and to answer the question whether their hygroscopic moisture content really affects their insul ation performance.

• HAM hygrothermal simulation
• insulation
• material properties: hygrothermal

1. A new model for mould prediction and its application on a test roof
2. Effect of interior and exterior insulation on the hygrothermal behaviour of exposed walls
3. Moisture risk assessment of roof constructions by computer simulation in comparison to the standard Glaser-method
4. More moisture load tolerance of construction assemblies through the application of a smart vapor retarder
5. Smart vapor retarder: an innovation inspired by computer simulations
6. The smart vapor retarder: an innovation inspired by computer simulations  

1. A new model for mould prediction and its application on a test roof
2. A new model for mould prediction and its application on dwellings with mould on the outer facades
3. Information and Technology Transfer from IBP: Mold Growth on ETICS (EIFS) as a Result of "Bad Workmanship"?
4. Moisture buffering effects of interior linings made from wood or wood based products
5. Mold growth prediction by computational simulation
6. Prediction of mould fungus formation on the surface of and inside building components
7. Prediction of mould growth by hygrothermal calculation
8. The hygrothermal behaviour of rooms: combining thermal building simulation and hygrothermal envelope calculation