U.S. patent application number 10/617670 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for vapor barrier for use in the heat insulation of buildings.
This patent application is currently assigned to FRAUNHOFER GESELL. ZUR FOERD. DER ANG. FORS. E.V.. Invention is credited to Grosskinsky, Theo, Kunzel, Hartwig.
Application Number | 20040103604 10/617670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32397470 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040103604 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kunzel, Hartwig ; et
al. |
June 3, 2004 |
Vapor barrier for use in the heat insulation of buildings
Abstract
The invention relates to a vapor barrier for use in the thermal
insulation of buildings which can be used, in particular, for
thermal insulation procedures in new buildings or in the renovation
of old buildings. The vapor barrier in accordance with the
invention is thereby capable of achieving water vapor exchange
under different ambient conditions. This is achieved by using a
material which has a water vapor diffusion resistance which is
dependent on the ambient humidity and which also has adequate
tensile strength and tear resistance.
Inventors: |
Kunzel, Hartwig; (Valley,
DE) ; Grosskinsky, Theo; (Holzkirchen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
FRAUNHOFER GESELL. ZUR FOERD. DER
ANG. FORS. E.V.
Muchen
DE
|
Family ID: |
32397470 |
Appl. No.: |
10/617670 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10617670 |
Jul 14, 2003 |
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09521125 |
Mar 7, 2000 |
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09521125 |
Mar 7, 2000 |
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08945146 |
Oct 17, 1997 |
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08945146 |
Oct 17, 1997 |
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PCT/DE96/00705 |
Apr 18, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/404.1 ;
428/474.4; 428/475.5; 428/479.3; 428/913; 52/506.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/1341 20150115;
Y10T 428/31993 20150401; Y10T 442/693 20150401; B65H 2701/1313
20130101; Y10T 428/31779 20150401; B32B 27/06 20130101; Y10T
428/31986 20150401; E04B 1/625 20130101; B32B 7/02 20130101; B65H
2301/36 20130101; Y10T 428/31739 20150401; Y10S 428/913 20130101;
Y10T 428/1376 20150115; E04D 13/16 20130101; Y10T 428/31772
20150401; Y10T 428/31725 20150401; Y10T 442/695 20150401; Y10T
428/31783 20150401; Y10T 442/674 20150401; E04D 12/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/404.1 ;
052/506.01; 428/913; 428/474.4; 428/475.5; 428/479.3 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/74; B32B
027/08; E04B 002/00; E04B 005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 1995 |
DE |
195 14 420.1 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A vapor barrier for use in the insulation of buildings, wherein
at least a portion of the vapor barrier is formed from a material
which has a water vapor diffusion resistance dependent on an
ambient humidity, with the proviso that the material, at a relative
humidity of an atmosphere surrounding the vapor barrier in the
region of 30% to 50%, has a water vapor diffusion resistance
(s.sub.d-value) of 2 to 5 meters diffusion-equivalent air space
width, and, at a relative humidity in the region of 60% to 80%, a
water vapor diffusion resistance (s.sub.d-value) which is <1
meter diffusion-equivalent air space width.
2. The vapor barrier of claim 1 wherein the vapor barrier is a
film-forming composition capable of being sprayed or painted onto
the inner walls of a room to form a film on the inner surface of
the walls.
3. The vapor barrier of claim 1 wherein at least a second portion
of the vapor barrier is comprised of a carrier material.
4. The vapor barrier of claim 3 wherein the carrier material is
selected from the group consisting of particle board, chip board,
oriented strand board, plywood paneling, gypsum board, fiber
reinforced gypsum board, fiber board, cement board, cementitious
wood wool board, calcium silica board, fiber insulation batts or
slabs, foam insulation slabs, wall paper, carpet and cloth.
5. The vapor barrier according to claim 1 wherein the material is a
film.
6. The vapor barrier according to claim 5 wherein the film has a
thickness of 10 .mu.m to 2 mm.
7. The vapor barrier according to claim 5 wherein the film has a
thickness of 20 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.
8. The vapor barrier according to claim 5 wherein the material is
applied as a coating to a carrier material, the carrier material
being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier are
essentially provided by the coating.
9. The vapor barrier according to claim 5 wherein the material is
sandwiched between two layers of a carrier material, the carrier
material being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier
are essentially provided by the coating.
10. The vapor barrier of claim 5 wherein the film is formed prior
to application to an inner wall surface.
11. The vapor barrier of claim 10 wherein the formed film has a
decorative surface structure.
12. The vapor barrier of claim 10 wherein the formed film has a
printed color pattern.
13. The vapor barrier according to claim 5 wherein the film is
chosen from polyamide 6, polyamide 4 or polyamide 3.
14. The vapor barrier according to claim 13 wherein the film has a
thickness of 10 .mu.m to 2 mm.
15. The vapor barrier according to claim 13 wherein the film has a
thickness of 20 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.
16. The vapor barrier according to claim 13 wherein the material is
applied as a coating to a carrier material, the carrier material
being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier are
essentially provided by the coating.
17. The vapor barrier according to claim 16 wherein the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
18. The vapor barrier according to claim 13 wherein the material is
sandwiched between two layers of a carrier material, the carrier
material being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier
are essentially provided by the coating.
19. The vapor barrier according to claim 18 wherein the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
20. The vapor barrier according to claim 1 wherein the material is
a polymer coating applied to a carrier material.
21. The vapor barrier according to claim 20 wherein a polymer for
the polymer coating is selected from the group consisting of
polyvinyl alcohol, dispersed synthetic resin, methyl cellulose,
linseed oil alkyd resin, bone glue and protein derivatives.
22. The vapor barrier according to claim 20 wherein the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
23. The vapor barrier according to claim 1 wherein the material is
applied as a coating to a carrier material, the carrier material
being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier are
essentially provided by the coating.
24. The vapor barrier according to claim 23 wherein the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
25. The vapor barrier according to claim 1 wherein the material is
sandwiched between two layers of a carrier material, the carrier
material being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier
are essentially provided by the coating.
26. The vapor barrier according to claim 25 wherein the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
27. A vapor barrier for use in the insulation of buildings, at
least a portion of the vapor barrier formed of a film including a
material selected from the group consisting of polyamide 6,
polyamide 4 and polyamide 3.
28. The vapor barrier according to claim 27 wherein the film has a
thickness of 20 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.
29. The vapor barrier according to claim 27 wherein the material is
applied as a coating to a carrier material, the carrier material
being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier are
essentially provided by the coating.
30. The vapor barrier according to claim 29 wherein the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
31. The vapor barrier according to claim 27 wherein the material is
sandwiched between two layers of a carrier material, the carrier
material being such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier
are essentially provided by the coating.
32. The vapor barrier according to claim 31 wherein the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
33. The vapor barrier according to claim 27 wherein the film has a
thickness of 10 .mu.m to 2 mm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/945,146, filed Oct. 17, 1997, which is the
U.S. national phase of PCT/DE96/00705 filed Apr. 18, 1996, which
claims priority to German patent application serial number 195 14
420.1 filed Apr. 19, 1995.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a vapor barrier, which is arranged
facing the room, for use in the thermal insulation of buildings,
especially for thermal insulation procedures in new buildings and
in the renovation of old buildings.
[0003] In order to reduce the carbon dioxide emission which occurs
as a result of heating buildings, thermal insulation procedures are
carried out in the construction of new buildings and in the
renovation of old buildings. For economic reasons, which constantly
have to be considered by the owner of the building, the question of
cost also has to be taken into account here. Moreover, the external
appearance of the building is a significant factor here which also
represents a limit to what can actually be done. Thus, for example,
thermal insulation procedures of this kind can be carried out only
in buildings, which have a visible framework, by means of
insulation layers which are located internally. An acceptable
amount of moisture in the framework wood must also be ensured,
especially under winter conditions, via the possible diffusion of
vapor and also by the vapor barrier facing the room. In contrast to
this, the moisture, which is due to rain and which penetrates
through the joints between the wooden posts and the nogging, must
also be able to dry out toward the inside in the summer months in
order to ensure long life for the wood that is used in the
framework despite the improved thermal insulation
characteristics.
[0004] Similar difficulties also arise in subsequent full-rafter
insulation on high-pitched roofs with a vapor-tight front covering,
for example, roofing fabric on planking. Thus tests carried out by
the Fraunhofer Institut fur Bauphysik in the case where vapor
barriers were applied inside with a water vapor diffusion
resistance (Sd value) which is less than a 10 m
diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness, especially on roofs
oriented toward the north, showed that the extent to which the
planking dries out in the summer is not sufficient to achieve a
wood moisture situation which is harmless. Thus vapor barriers
which are applied facing the room can no longer adequately carry
away moisture accumulations which are caused by convection, for
example.
[0005] Proceeding from these Known disadvantages, the problem for
the invention is to create a vapor barrier which is arranged facing
the room and which is capable--under different ambient conditions
which are variable in use--of ensuring water vapor exchange between
the room air and the interior of the building component which will,
as extensively as possible, prevent damage by moisture to the
building material that is used.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the invention, a vapor barrier for use in the
insulation of buildings is formed from a material which has a water
vapor diffusion resistance dependent on an ambient humidity. At a
relative humidity of an atmosphere surrounding the vapor barrier in
the region of 30% to 50%, the material has a water vapor diffusion
resistance (s.sub.d-value) of 2 to 5 meters diffusion-equivalent
air space width. At a relative humidity in the region of 60% to
80%, the material has a water vapor diffusion resistance
(s.sub.d-value) which is <1 meter diffusion-equivalent air space
width.
[0007] Illustratively according to the invention, the vapor barrier
is a film-forming composition capable of being sprayed or painted
onto the inner walls of a room to form a film on the inner surface
of the walls.
[0008] Further illustratively according to the invention, at least
a second portion of the vapor barrier is comprised of a carrier
material.
[0009] Additionally illustratively according to the invention, the
carrier material is selected from the group consisting of particle
board, chip board, oriented strand board, plywood paneling, gypsum
board (standard or fiber reinforced), fiber board, cement board,
cementitious wood wool board, calcium silica board, fiber
insulation batts or slabs, foam insulation slabs, wall paper,
carpet and cloth.
[0010] Illustratively according to the invention, the material is a
film.
[0011] Further illustratively according to the invention, the film
has a thickness of 10 .mu.m to 2 mm.
[0012] Additionally illustratively according to the invention, the
film has a thickness of 20 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.
[0013] Illustratively according to the invention, the material is
applied as a coating to a carrier material. The carrier material is
such that the characteristics of the vapor barrier are essentially
provided by the coating.
[0014] Further illustratively according to the invention, the
material is sandwiched between two layers of a carrier material.
The carrier material is such that the characteristics of the vapor
barrier are essentially provided by the coating.
[0015] Additionally illustratively according to the invention, the
film is formed prior to application to an inner wall surface.
[0016] Illustratively according to the invention, the formed film
has a decorative surface structure.
[0017] Further illustratively according to the invention, the
formed film has a printed color pattern.
[0018] Additionally illustratively according to the invention, the
film is chosen from polyamide 6, polyamide 4 or polyamide 3.
[0019] Illustratively according to the invention, the carrier
material is a fiber reinforced cellulose material.
[0020] Further illustratively according to the invention, the
material is a polymer coating applied to a carrier material.
[0021] Additionally illustratively according to the invention, a
polymer for the polymer coating is selected from the group
consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, dispersed synthetic resin, methyl
cellulose, linseed oil alkyd resin, bone glue and protein
derivatives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention may best be understood by referring to the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings which
illustrate the invention. In the drawings:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates the result for the diffusion-equivalent
air layer thickness (s.sub.d value) of a vapor barrier constricted
according to the invention as a function of the average relative
humidity which prevailed during an experiment; and.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates comparative humidity characteristics of
inter-rafter insulation using a prior art vapor barrier and using a
humidity-adaptive vapor barrier constricted according to the
present invention.
DESCRIPTIONS OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The vapor barrier, which is applied facing the room in
accordance with the invention and which can also be termed a
"humidity-adaptive vapor barrier," uses as an essential material
one that has a water vapor diffusion resistance which is dependent
on the ambient humidity and which has sufficient tensile and
compressive strength for use in buildings as they are being
built.
[0026] In the case of a relative humidity in the range between 30%
and 50% of the atmosphere surrounding the vapor barrier, the
material used for the vapor barrier, in the form of a film or as a
coating on a carrier material, should have a water vapor diffusion
resistance value (s.sub.d value) of 2 to 5 m in terms of a
diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness and a water vapor
diffusion resistance (s.sub.d value) which is less than 1 m in
terms of a diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness in the case of
a relative humidity in the range from 60% to 80% as is typical for
the summer months, for example.
[0027] This leads to a higher water vapor diffusion resistance
being achieved under winter conditions than under summer
conditions. In this way, the drying out process in the summer can
be encouraged without the supply of moisture under winter
conditions being able to assume a value which can impair the
materials that are used and the building itself.
[0028] In addition to the applications that have already been
mentioned in connection with the disadvantages of the prior art,
the invention can also be used with metal roofs or timber post
constructions and can also lead to a reduction in building costs
here along with an improvement in thermal insulation.
[0029] It is possible to use, for example, polyamide 6, polyamide 4
or polyamide 3 as a material for the vapor barrier which has the
desired properties. These are known, in particular, from K.
BIEDERBICK's work "Kunststoffe--kurz und bundig", published by
Vogel-Verlag, Wurzburg. These polyamides are used as films and they
inherently have the required characteristics in terms of water
vapor diffusion resistance. Moreover, they have the strength values
that are necessary for use in buildings and they can therefore be
used at no additional cost. The thickness of the films can be in
the region from 10 .mu.m to 2 mm or, preferably, in the region from
20 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.
[0030] In one embodiment, the vapor barrier comprises a film, which
may be applied, for example, by painting, spraying, or the like,
onto a wall in like manner to a paint, coating, or the like. For
example, such a vapor barrier can be formed by painting or spraying
a polyamide compound onto the inner walls of a room.
[0031] In another embodiment, the vapor barrier itself can comprise
a wall paper, which can optionally be provided with a surface
structure or print having a colored pattern. For example, such
vapor barrier can be provided by using a polyamide film used like,
and/or in place of, conventional wall paper previously known in the
art.
[0032] Other materials can also be used which do not have adequate
strength but which can be applied to suitable carrier materials.
The carrier materials here preferably have a low water vapor
diffusion resistance and the required characteristics of the vapor
barrier in accordance with the invention are essentially produced
by the coating.
[0033] Fiber reinforced cellulose materials, such as paper webs,
membranes made from synthetic fiber spun fabrics or even perforated
polyethylene films, may be used as materials for the carrier(s),
for example. Other examples of suitable carrier materials for
purposes of the present invention include particle board, chip
board, oriented strand board, plywood paneling, gypsum board
(standard or fiber reinforced), fiber board, cement board,
cementitious wood wool board, calcium silica board, fiber
insulation batts or slabs, foam insulation slabs, wall paper,
carpet and cloth. The vapor retarding material itself may be
applied to these carrier materials as film or membrane or as
coating (via spraying, painting or other appropriate application
methods).
[0034] The material can be present as a coating on a carrier
material. The coating here can be applied to one side of the
carrier material but, in special cases, it can also be accommodated
between two layers of the carrier material in a sandwich-like
mariner. In the latter case, the coating material is effectively
protected from both sides from mechanical wear and it can therefore
ensure the desired water vapor diffusion properties over an
extended period of time. Several such layer assemblies can also be
assembled one above the other.
[0035] Different substances and materials can be used for coating
the carrier material. Thus polymers, such as, for example, modified
poly(vinyl alcohols), can be applied by means of suitable coating
processes. The water vapor diffusion resistance, which is measured
in accordance with DIN 52615, thereby varies by more than one power
of ten between a dry environment and a damp one. However,
dispersions of synthetic resins, methyl cellulose, linseed oil
alkyd resin, bone glue or protein derivatives can also be used as a
coating material for the carrier.
[0036] In the case where the carrier material is coated on one
side, this coating can be applied to the side on which little or no
protection is required against mechanical influences. The
installation of the vapor barrier in accordance with the invention
can take place in such a way in this case that the protective
carrier material points toward the side facing the room or toward
the side facing away from the room.
[0037] A vapor barrier in accordance with the invention can be
formed from a film which comprises polyamide 6. Experiments were
carried out with a film thickness of 50 .mu.m. The polyamide 6
films that were used are currently manufactured by the MF-Folien
GmbH firm in Kempten, Germany.
[0038] Hygroscopic Behavior in Laboratory Tests
[0039] The water vapor diffusion resistance of the
humidity-adaptive vapor barrier was determined in accordance with
DIN 52615 in the dry range (3/50% relative humidity (RH)) and in
the damp range (50/93% RH) as well as in two damp ranges lying in
between (33/50% and 50/75% RH). The result for the
diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness (s.sub.d value) of the
vapor barrier with a thickness of 50 .mu.m is represented in FIG. 1
as a function of the average relative humidity which prevailed in
the test. The difference between the s.sub.d value in the dry range
and that in the damp range is more than one power of ten, so that
under practical room air conditions which range between 30% and 50%
in winter and between approximately 60% and 70% in summer--it can
be expected that the diffusion currents can be controlled
significantly by the vapor barrier.
[0040] An Example of a Practical Application
[0041] As a result of the installation of full inter-rafter
insulation made from mineral fiber which is 10 cm to 20 cm thick,
computational studies have shown that high-pitched roofs with
vapor-tight secondary roofs can become so damp within a few years
that damage is unavoidable despite a vapor barrier facing the room.
The situation is particularly critical with high room air humidity
levels which vary, for example, from 50% RH in January to 70% RH in
July while, at the same time, the short-wave radiation gain is
relatively low via a northerly orientation. The influence of the
humidity-adaptive vapor barrier on the long-term moisture balance
of such constructions under the climatic conditions of Holzkirchen
has therefore been estimated computationally below with the help of
a method which has already been verified several times in
experiments.
[0042] The humidity characteristics following the installation of
inter-rafter insulation with a traditional vapor barrier and with
the humidity-adaptive vapor barrier facing the room are shown in
FIG. 2 in the case of a non-insulated, highpitched roof (28.degree.
pitch), which is oriented toward the north, with planking,
bitumen-treated felt and a tile covering, whereby the roof is in
hygroscopic equilibrium with its surroundings. The profile for the
overall humidity in the roof is indicated in the upper part of this
diagram and the profile for the moisture in the wood of the planks
is indicated in the lower part of this diagram, whereby these are
over a period of ten years. The humidity in the roof with the
traditional vapor barrier increases rapidly with seasonal
fluctuations, whereby moisture values (>20% by mass) in the
wood, which would give cause for concern on a long-term basis,
already occur in the first year; by contrast, no moisture
accumulation can be detected in the roof with the humidity-adaptive
vapor barrier. In the summer, the moisture in the wood in this case
is constantly below 20% by mass so that moisture damage does not
need to be feared.
[0043] Thus the humidity-adaptive vapor barrier opens up the
possibility of inexpensively insulating high-pitched roofs on old
buildings with no great risk of damage.
* * * * *