Research on energy-saving technology of window surrounding for the sandwich insulation walls of rural housings in cold regions of China

The aim of this study is energy-saving designs for rural housing in cold regions of China. The work has been undertaken to improve the design of window surrounding which is a weak element of the building envelope's thermal performance. Different building structures are comparatively analyzed by simulating wall-temperature-distributions on a computer. The results showed that for sandwich insulation walls, the window frame should be fixed close to the insulation layer outside. Meanwhile the joint parts between the window frame and wall should be airproof. And it is necessary to add an insulation layer on the vertical apertures of windows. The composite section lintel over the window is used and the gap between wall and window should be filled, which can decrease heat loss. Moisture proofing should be added under the elbowboard in order to prevent condensation damage. Thus, the new type of sandwich insulation wall is suitable for residence buildings in rural areas of cold regions.