The effect of brick properties on hygrothermal performance of solid walls

To construct buildings of the future that are both energy-efficient and moisture-resilient, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding of the varying characteristics of brick properties. This study sampled eight brick-cores taken from solid walled homes across the UK, to investigate the impact of thermal conductivity and hygrothermal parameters on U-values and moisture accumulation. Modelled U-values of uninsulated solid walls, in this sample, ranged between 1.6 and 2.6 W/m2K, with 6 of 8 the homes having surface condensation risks. There was even greater variability found in the moisture content in inner brickwork when simulated in WUFI, between 0.1 to 5.8 %, indicating some bricks are at significantly higher risk of moisture accumulation.