Passive House Tuesday: High Performance Historic Masonry Retrofits

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  

The goals of historic preservation and energy efficiency and comfort often seem in conflict, as higher insulation levels can pose new risks to these timeless structures. Yet it need not be so. This comprehensive presentation discusses strategies for minimizing the apparent conflict while allowing for the highest possible performance – ensuring that the integrity of the structure won’t be compromised and making a more robust structure for the next 100 years: preservation and high-performance working together for a truly sustainable future. The classic brick wall is un-insulated (R-6-ish) 3 wythe thick wall, prone to air infiltration. As many historic buildings fall under some form of aesthetic scrutiny often exterior insulation is prohibited. Therefore, the only option to make these buildings energy efficient is to insulate them on the interior. This presentation takes a close look at how to insulate these walls safely from the interior – considering moisture drive, bulk rainwater issues, and insulation materials – avoiding the dangers of freeze-thaw and mold.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

1. Describe key attributes for high-performance enclosures and how historic masonry walls often fall short.  2. Describe key threats to the long-term stability of historic masonry walls.  3. Describe ways in which high-performance goals can make a historic masonry wall stronger or riskier.  4. Outline key qualities, components, and strategies to optimize both energy efficiency and wall longevity.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS:   1 AIA HSW

(this event is in-person only, there will be no webinar or streaming available)