Moisture safe retrofit calculator
The moisture-safe retrofit calculator has been developed as part of sustainable housing for strong communities (Stronghouse) project. Stronghouse is a European research project co-funded by the North Sea Region Programme 2014 - 2020.
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Stronghouse aims at sustainable housing for strong communities As part of the energy transition, Stronghouse analyses and redesigns measures to motivate and facilitate homeowners – individually and on a neighbourhood level – to invest in energy renovation/retrofitting their homes. You can access Stronghouse website here.
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Understanding moisture
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Before starting to use the tool, we recommend watching the video below that was developed by the UKCMB (UK centre for Moisture in Buildings) with help from UCL, CA Sustainable Architecture and the Usable Buildings Trust. For more information of moisture in buildings and how to keep moisture at a healthy level use the moisture balance calculator developed by UKCMB.
Why moisture management is important in a retrofit project ?
Moisture balance in buildings
Buildings have a dynamic balance between humidity in the internal air, humidity within materials, and moisture in the external air.
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A moisture-safe retrofit is a retrofit that maintains this balance and ensures that internal conditions are within an acceptable comfort zone ( not too dry, not too humid) and maintains the building materials in good condition.
How this tool works ?
1 Select your dwelling type
The tool automatically provides information regarding the existing specifications of your house and energy improvement solutions according to the selected building type.
Who is this tool for?
The tool is intended primarily to assist households in their renovation project by providing them with information on moisture-safe energy improvement solutions suitable for their homes. The online tool aims to prevent the implementation of risky solutions recommended by a retrofit assessor or an installer and to raise awareness on moisture risks. The tool also is anticipated to inform households and encourage them to consult a retrofit coordinator that is trained to manage moisture risks, which would likely avoid bad experiences.