Analytic Methods of Foamed Plastic Insulation Deteriorated by Moisture

Abstract

Foamed plastic insulations installed into buildings are now expected to be long‐lasting materials. However, in recent years, it has been reported that foamed plastic insulations installed in high‐humid environments, such as under waterproof sheets on a rooftop, absorb moisture, and subsequently increase thermal conductivity. This paper studies both moisture absorption and changes in physical properties of foamed plastic insulations after exposure to high humidity and discusses the moisture‐induced deterioration based on the results of several experiments.