Outsulation, Insulation for cool temperate and cold climates 

The Cool Climate Condensation Challenge 

Structures in cold and cooler temperate Australian climates, such as those in Tasmania and Victoria have traditionally been poorly insulted by placing insulation exclusively on the inside of the walls, floor, and roof. This technique is a significant contributor to condensation issues inside buildings.  

Concrete buildings are especially susceptible to condensation problems resulting from the use of internal insulation alone. Concrete is an excellent conductor of temperature variations, so becomes cold when exposed to cool temperatures. You can expect concrete exteriors to mirror the temperature of the outside environment. When warm indoor air passes through insulation it carries indoor moisture with it depositing condensation on the cold surface of the concrete.  

Where Does Condensation Form? 

Condensation forms between the external cladding and wall linings for a standard wall build up with concrete and insulation, while for roofs condensation occurs between the metal roof and foil blanket.

What Problems does Condensation Cause? 

• Condensation formed between the external cladding and wall linings poses health risks to the occupants, detection, and alternation of condensation can be difficult due to unseen nature of this issue.  
• Visual signs of condensation related deterioration include stains and swelling of walls, due to the moisture trapped in the plasterboard lining. This is an obvious sign of moisture ingress or entrapment in the walls. 
• Structural decay due to entrapped moisture causes long term corrosion to the framings of the system especially for metal structures, timber rot, rusty fixings as timber swells, and cladding rot, thus, in need of costly renovation. 

• Moisture also affects energy efficiency specially with the R value of the layers due to saturation in the insulation which causes loss in the thermal performance of the product.