Improving insulation in Sri Lankan high-rise buildings: defects, causes, and selection criteria

Abstract

Insulation plays a crucial role in achieving energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and sustainability in high-rise buildings. However, when there are problems with the insulation such as water leakage, crack formation, and thermal bridging the building performance is affected. The paper analyses the most prevalent defects in insulation together with their causes and principal factors considered in selecting to enhance insulation performance within high-rise buildings. A qualitative research approach has been adopted by carrying out case studies on 15 high-rise buildings located within Sri Lanka and through 40 respondents survey including semi-structured interviews with five professionals from the industry. The study reveals that water damage and pest infestations are common defects at 86.7%and 80%, respectively. The foremost factor is linked to inadequate climate considerations, coupled with insufficient standards of workmanship as well as material selection. Besides these issues, maintenance has been inadequate; neither have regulations governing insulation been adequate. Experts' views indicate that the three most important factors in selecting suitable insulating systems are building profile, technology, and material properties, which can be avoided by effective design strategies, quality of materials selected, and regular maintenance. This will contribute to the field since there is a need for some structured selection criteria using BWM to improve insulation longevity; costs of maintenance would also be reduced, while performance as a whole could be enhanced. Further research is recommended on new technologies concerning insulating systems along with regulatory criteria aimed at maximizing efficiency for insulations utilized in high-rise constructions.