Integrating Insulation and Surface Finishes into Concrete Walls
Concrete is traditionally considered a structural element. However, available concrete systems integrate insulation and concrete into one system.
These systems have the benefit of providing continuous insulation and concrete to reduce energy loads. This combination reduces thermal bridging often found in steel or wood frame construction and provides continuous air and thermal barriers. Examples include insulating concrete form (ICF) systems and insulated precast sandwich panel walls. These concrete systems are a resource efficient method of providing thermal mass, insulation, and low air infiltration.
Martha Van Geem, Principal Engineer and head of Building Science & Sustainability at CTLGroup, authored this 2008 article for The First International Conference on Building Energy and Environment.
Source: Proceedings: The First International Conference on Building Energy and Environment