ᐅ Wood Fiber vs. Mineral Wool vs. Polystyrene in Timber Construction
Created on: 27 Jul 2015 20:03
G
Grym
Which of these insulation materials is better in the long term? With expanded polystyrene (EPS), a vapor barrier is definitely used because any moisture that penetrates cannot escape through the EPS. For a mix of mineral wool and wood fiber, a vapor retarder is applied, while with wood fiber alone, usually only a windproof sealing membrane is used.
Basically, from inside to outside:
- Gypsum board
- Vapor barrier / vapor retarder / vapor-permeable windproof membrane
- Timber frame + mineral wool or wood fiber
- Gypsum board
- EPS or wood fiber
- Plaster
a) Vapor barrier + mineral wool + EPS
b) Vapor retarder + mineral wool + wood fiber
c) Vapor-permeable windproof membrane + wood fiber + wood fiber
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each construction? How significant is the absence of an installation layer in each case? Is it less critical in c) since any moisture that enters can potentially escape again?
Basically, from inside to outside:
- Gypsum board
- Vapor barrier / vapor retarder / vapor-permeable windproof membrane
- Timber frame + mineral wool or wood fiber
- Gypsum board
- EPS or wood fiber
- Plaster
a) Vapor barrier + mineral wool + EPS
b) Vapor retarder + mineral wool + wood fiber
c) Vapor-permeable windproof membrane + wood fiber + wood fiber
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each construction? How significant is the absence of an installation layer in each case? Is it less critical in c) since any moisture that enters can potentially escape again?
S
Sebastian7927 Jul 2015 21:30Do you really think the cracks extend all the way to the masonry? And even if that is the case, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is an air leak.
But as you yourself said, this is probably negligible. Air leaks in timber frame construction caused by improper installation, as far as I know, do lead to moisture problems.
But others surely know more about this...
But as you yourself said, this is probably negligible. Air leaks in timber frame construction caused by improper installation, as far as I know, do lead to moisture problems.
But others surely know more about this...
Precisely because of the moisture issue, the question of wall construction c) arises. It should be able to tolerate, store, and release moisture within normal limits. Should! Perhaps someone in the forum is familiar with timber construction or has already considered the same aspects in their own timber build and gained some insights.
I
Irgendwoabaier27 Jul 2015 23:06Exactly for that reason... it is important to minimize the risks related to the airtight layer, meaning the installation layer.
Otherwise: whether it is vapor closed or vapor open might still be a matter of preference, but it should definitely be airtight.
By the way, we chose a builder who likes to use cellulose insulation (old newspapers treated with fire retardants, etc.) – so far, living in the house has been quite comfortable. And the noise from the sports field next door hasn’t proven to be disturbing yet (OK, I have only experienced three-quarters of a season so far).
Otherwise: whether it is vapor closed or vapor open might still be a matter of preference, but it should definitely be airtight.
By the way, we chose a builder who likes to use cellulose insulation (old newspapers treated with fire retardants, etc.) – so far, living in the house has been quite comfortable. And the noise from the sports field next door hasn’t proven to be disturbing yet (OK, I have only experienced three-quarters of a season so far).