mold – Emu Architects

A Disastrous Case Study: How Replacing Windows Alone Can Lead to Mold

November 1, 2013 by Enrico Bonilauri Leave a Comment

Example of mold - photo by Damiano Chiarini.

In our previous articles, we have cautioned that an energy retrofit should be approached with an integrated, whole-building approach, and by a professional with experience in calculating and simulating thermal envelopes. The photos below show what happened to one family’s home when they decided to do an independent partial energy retrofit, without consulting a qualified professional. In this case, they decided to replace the old windows of their house with newer, high performance windows, hoping that they would be able to reduce their energy consumption.

Filed Under: energy and environment, featured Tagged With: energy, health, energy efficiency, comfort, windows, renovation, mold, deep energy retrofit, condensation, thermal envelope, Ventilation (architecture)

Mold and condensation problems

August 20, 2013 by Enrico Bonilauri 2 Comments

Mold and condensation on the interior surfaces of a house’s thermal envelope is a self-evident proof of poor quality and lack of comfort. It can happen on walls, roof, slabs and so on. These phenomena are symptoms of degrading building quality, and have immediate direct consequences on indoor air quality, health of the occupants and the overall comfort inside the house.

Filed Under: education and awareness, featured Tagged With: building envelope, condensation, DER-FAQ3, energy retrofit, health and comfort, mold, Passive House, thermal bridge, ventilation

What is a ‘thermal bridge’?

August 13, 2013 by Enrico Bonilauri 4 Comments

In our articles, as we write about Passive Houses, thermal comfort and energy efficiency, we often assign great importance to the term ‘thermal bridge’.

We’ll try to explain here what all the fuss is about.

Filed Under: education and awareness, energy and environment, passive house Tagged With: building, energy efficiency, envelope, health and comfort, mold, Passive House, PH-FAQ2, quality, thermal bridge, UNI norms

Energy effiency retrofit: external insulation or new doors and windows?

July 2, 2013 by Enrico Bonilauri Leave a Comment

Via Goti - Emu Architetti Nov 9, 2010 12-003

The future of the construction industry in Italy is in the energy efficiency improvement of our existing building stock.

We are often asked whether you should invest in external insulation or in new windows for the highest return of investment, as far as comfort and energy savings. The short answer is neither or both. Allow us to explain…

Filed Under: energy and environment, featured Tagged With: building envelope, deep energy retrofit, DER-FAQ1, doors, energy efficiency, health and comfort, Home Improvement, insulation, mold, PH-FAQ2, renovation, windows

Why an Italian regional energy certification is not enough to guarantee the quality of a building.

March 29, 2013 by Enrico Bonilauri 4 Comments

From a purely commercial point of view, the Italian real estate market seems to now understand the concept of the energy certification of buildings. However, the certificate itself is not sufficient to ensure the comfort and quality of the building. Here’s why: Case-Study: an ‘Emilia Romagna Class B’ house Sometimes friends, family or potential clients […]