Improving the energy performance of existing and historic structures is an important focus in reducing the carbon impact of our buildings. Adaptive reuse offers the opportunity to help preserve embodied carbon. However, to meet energy code or owner/occupant requirements, thermal upgrades to the building enclosure are often needed. These upgrades typically include adding thermal insulation and reducing air leakage.  Detailing air barrier and insulation retrofits can be complex and depend on several factors including climate, wall materials, and building use. Learn important considerations for improving masonry buildings’ energy efficiency when using insulation and air barriers. 

Learning Objectives:

• Describe methods for increasing energy efficiency in existing masonry buildings. 
• Identify insulation and air barrier options to retrofit existing masonry buildings.
• Analyze the risks of air leakage and moisture accumulation when retrofitting air barriers and insulation in existing buildings. 
• Explain detailing for air barrier and insulation retrofits on existing masonry buildings to mitigate the risks of air leakage and moisture accumulation. 

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About the Speaker
David Artigas, PE
Senior Project Manager, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.

David manages the investigation, design, and construction administration of building enclosures on historic and contemporary buildings of many types in the United States. He also performs thermal and hygrothermal modeling and assessment of building enclosure assemblies, specializing in existing and historic building enclosure systems.