When it comes to thermal insulation, the focus is often on the ability of materials to retain heat within rooms. However, in order to achieve optimal living comfort, it is also essential to consider another characteristic: the breathability of walls.
The use of breathable materials in construction allows masonry to regulate indoor humidity, preventing condensation, mold and surface deterioration. This not only improves indoor air quality, but also ensures greater durability and efficiency of thermal insulation.
But what exactly does breathability mean? Why is it so important for home healthiness? And what materials provide the best performance? In this article we will delve into the role of breathable materials and how to choose the most effective solutions to protect your home.
What does breathability in masonry mean?
he concept of breathability in construction refers to the ability of a material to allow water vapor to pass through, yet prevent moisture from stagnating inside masonry.
How does the process of perspiration occur?
Moisture in home environments is naturally absorbed by walls, and if these are made of breathable materials, water vapor is able to escape without difficulty. This mechanism prevents the formation of condensation and mold, ensuring a healthier home and a drier environment.
What happens with non-breathable materials?
If, on the other hand, waterproof or poorly breathable materials are used, water vapor becomes trapped, leading to:
Moisture accumulation within masonry.
Formation of condensation on cooler surfaces
Occurrence of mold and fungi harmful to health
Deterioration of plaster and finishes.
This is why breathability is a key element to consider when choosing materials for construction and renovation.
Why is it important to choose breathable materials?
The use of breathable materials in construction offers numerous advantages both functionally and in terms of building health and durability.
- Prevents the formation of condensation and mold
One of the most serious effects of poor breathability is mold, which forms when moisture fails to evaporate and stagnates on interior surfaces. In addition to being unsightly, mold is dangerous to health, as it releases harmful spores that can cause respiratory problems and allergies.
- Improves indoor air quality
A poorly breathable environment can be laden with moisture and pollutants, compromising air quality. Materials such as breathable plasters and natural coats help regulate moisture and keep the air healthier, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory disorders.
- Increases the durability and effectiveness of thermal insulation
An insulation material, to be truly effective, must not trap moisture within it. If water remains in insulation materials, they can lose their properties over time. The use of breathable materials avoids this issue, ensuring greater durability of the insulation.
What are the best breathable materials?
When choosing a material to improve the breathability of your home, you need to consider both its insulating capacity and its durability. Here are some of the best breathable materials used in construction:
- Lime-based plasters
Natural lime plasters are among the most widely used solutions for evacuating moisture. Lime, thanks to its microporous structure, allows perfect breathability of masonry, preventing water stagnation.
- Porized bricks and clay bricks
Clay has excellent moisture-regulating abilities and has been used for centuries in the construction of healthy and durable homes.
- Wood fiber insulation panels
These panels combine insulation and breathability, allowing the house to maintain the right level of moisture without retaining water in the materials.
- Nanocoat and breathable thermal plasters
Innovative materials such as Afontermo are a cutting-edge solution because they provide efficient, breathable insulation in one product, reducing the risk of condensation and improving the energy efficiency of the home.
How to improve the breathability of walls?
If your home suffers from moisture problems and poor breathability, in addition to choosing the right materials, it is important to adopt some good practices to maintain a healthy, dry environment.
- Constant ventilation
Opening windows at least 10 to 15 minutes a day helps reduce indoor humidity and prevent mold growth.
- Humidity control
Using a dehumidifier in the most humid rooms (bathrooms, kitchens, basements) helps keep the humidity level between 40 percent and 60 percent.
- Use of breathable plasters and paints
During a renovation, avoid waterproof paints that seal the walls. Better to opt for breathable mineral paints.
- Avoid furniture that is too close to cold walls
Leaving a space of at least 5-10 cm between furniture and exterior walls promotes air circulation and reduces the possibility of condensation behind cabinets and bookcases.
Conclusion
Breathability is a key aspect of ensuring a healthy, efficient and durable home. By choosing breathable materials, problems of mold, condensation, and degradation of thermal insulation can be avoided, improving living comfort.
If you want to discover the most innovative solutions to protect your home, visit our website and discover Afon Casa’s breathable and insulating materials!
