Combating internal moisture
Newer homes may be less draughty but concern is growing that they are accumulating too much internal moisture. Ventilation is key, and BRANZ is researching how to keep homes aired, warm and healthy.
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Newer homes may be less draughty but concern is growing that they are accumulating too much internal moisture. Ventilation is key, and BRANZ is researching how to keep homes aired, warm and healthy.
We’re all familiar with New Zealand’s cold damp houses, but to understand the causes and fix the problems, it helps to know a bit about how water vapour works.
A BRANZ project measuring moisture in a school building roof cavity has helped refine the WUFI numerical simulation tool and identify shortfalls in knowledge. This will help designers create more realistic models and, ultimately, better buildings.
Recent BRANZ research has quantified one aspect of an important but often overlooked factor for achieving a dry home – occupant use.
Recent BRANZ research has confirmed how moisture gets into roof spaces and highlighted the critical role ventilation has in removing it.
Recently, several cases of an insidious new form of thermal bridging have been seen. Aggravating factors have been identified that contributed to the problem, so there are now lessons to be learnt to avoid this on other buildings.
In this latest look at BRANZ’s vapour control in walls project, we outline the benefits of WUFI, a sophisticated computer modelling software that calculates heat and moisture movement in building components.
BRANZ is defining the condensation limit for typical New Zealand walls to clear up confusion about the role of vapour barriers and vapour retarders.
Modern building practices often result in more airtight dwellings. BRANZ looked at two new builds with internal moisture problems and found issues could have been avoided with efficient ventilation.
How airtight is a ceiling? Does it need to be airtight? What if it isn’t? BRANZ has answers after testing the air permeability of different ceiling types.