Internally insulated walls with embedded wooden beams: how does hydrophobisation change the hygric performance?

The application of an interior insulation system is the only option to thermally upgrade massive masonry walls exposed to building line restrictions or with a valuable facade. Unfortunately, this post-insulation technique entails a risk on frost damage, decay of embedded wooden beam ends and other damage patterns. The application of hydrophobisation is often put forward to diminish these risks. To fully understand the impact of a hydrophobic layer on the wall’s hygric performance, more research is however still required. Thereto, the current work presents results of a field study on the hygric performance of hydrophobised internally insulated walls with embedded wooden beams.