Approach to the basic criteria for a correct design of efficient buildings

Several times, for some time, we tried to find an adequate answer about the modus operandi needed to make buildings energy efficient, emphasizing at the same time as it was fundamental to resort to a rigorous approach aimed at pursuing high quality standards. Therefore, there is no doubt that, with the proper planning, should be followed by an equally correct execution, without forgetting the important role of the "control" of the two phases that, in doing so, are placed in close relationship and synergy.

It follows that the first important step is to think, in the design phase to a building envelope that takes into account various aspects such as for example: the correct orientation of the building within the lot, or the search for the best ratio S / V, or finally the achievement of greater compactness possible. The orientation of the building, in fact, plays an important role in both the winter and summer behavior. Specifically, with regard to the behavior winter, you can get the appreciable heat gains, while relatively to summer, you should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight of the facades.

All this, of course, is intimately connected to the context in which our intervention must fit. From an effective aspect ratio (S / V) and by a greater compactness arise, however, the advantages from the point of view of energy: the smaller the surface area in contact with the external climatic conditions, minors are, in fact, the dispersions in the cold period , mainly because of thermal bridges may be present on the building. Once resolved, preliminary, these aspects need to analyze the thermal behavior of masonry relatively, as a priority, the positioning of the insulation layer. The thermal insulation of the building envelope is, after all, the main instrument through which to reduce, significantly, the energy loss of the building. The thermal insulation, in fact, minimizes the transit of heat flow from the inside during the winter and from the outside in the summer: it follows that this allows us to limit the expenditure of energy and maintain the internal temperature of adequate levels of environmental well-being.

If we ask where best to position the insulating layer, it is natural to say that the best choice is the outer surface. This is undoubtedly the most suitable position to place the insulating layer as it allows to minimize the problem of avoiding thermal bridges, consequently, the risk of condensation occurring phenomena internal. However, it should be noted, that if building envelopes realize that adopt as the principle of thermal insulation that of "insulation system" is relatively easy for new buildings, it is not, however, for those that already exist, which require more complex interventions and calibrated. Substantial is, today, the amount of materials that the building market makes available to us, but, as repeatedly stressed, there is, in absolute terms, the better the insulating material, there is, on the contrary, the best choice of it as a function of its use and in relation to the objectives to be perseguire.Da not be ignored is also another fundamental issue properly and effectively solve the problem of thermal bridges both from the design point of view that realization.

Apply properly "systems of thermal insulation" allows us, at the same time, both to avoid unfortunate incidents that occur due to defects in installation, whether the manufacturer, who gave us the "system" does not recognize, in Later, the guarantees related to the same defect. Therefore, you should carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer through the installation manual, which generally the same manufacturer shall make available to designers and installers.

In addition to the various manuals in circulation, is currently available the Installation Manual, made available by the Consortium Cortexa that incorporates within it the major manufacturers of thermal insulation, which provides indications given in a unique way and coordinated to ensure correct installation the thermal coat.

 

20/01/2012

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Translated via software

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Source:

Italian version of CercaGeometra.it