Dew point temperature analyses in ground floor residential room with existing thermal bridge

Technical University – Sofia, FPEPM, Department:” Hydroaerodynamics and Hydraulic Machines”, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: m_ivanov@tu-sofia.bg

Abstract

The presented study reveals a dew point temperature analyses in ground floor residential room with existing thermal bridge. The dew point temperature is analysed, based on field measurements of indoor air temperature and relative humidity in the residential room, without organized occupants’ behaviour. Furthermore, the dew point temperature is cross-analysed with existing thermal bridge propagation in one of the outer walls of the room, via infrared thermal images. The results represent a valuable indicator for moisture accumulation over the thermal bridge zone, as well as an indicator for future mold growth and other humidity related problems. In the building design practice, the “thermal bridge” is defined as a distant zone, where construction elements have higher thermal conductivity, compared with the rest of the building envelope. These thermal bridges mostly affect the energy performance of the buildings, because of the higher heat losses from inside towards outside. But even more important, moisture build-up and considerable humidity related problems in the occupied areas are probable, due to the decreased surface temperature over the affected thermal zones.