Important factors affecting the risk of mold growth in well-insulated wood frame walls in Northern European climates
Author
Editor
- Richard Karney
- Andre Desjarlais
Summary, in English
Due to increased awareness of climate change and energy costs, well-insulated buildings have become more common. Furthermore, greater interest has been shown in using wood in building to produce more carbon dioxide-efficient houses. However, thicker thermal insulation in walls increases the risk of high relative humidity levels and the risk of mold-related damage in wood frame houses.
This paper presents important factors affecting the risk of mold growth in well-insulated wood frame walls in Northern European climates. Recent findings regarding important factors are first briefly summarized. The paper continues with a parametric study in which moisture-critical positions in traditional Swedish wood frame designs are investigated by using hygrothermal modeling. Traditional North European walls with insulation thicknesses of 220 mm are compared to walls with thicker thermal insulation and alternative designs. The influences of the different wall designs in relation to the risk of mold growth are compared using isopleth and a visual mold chart.
It has been found that there is a higher risk of moisture-related damage in thicker insulated walls. However, this risk could be reduced by choosing more suitable designs in which well-ventilated air gaps behind the cladding and exterior vapor-permeable moisture resistant thermal insulation boards are of great importance.
This paper presents important factors affecting the risk of mold growth in well-insulated wood frame walls in Northern European climates. Recent findings regarding important factors are first briefly summarized. The paper continues with a parametric study in which moisture-critical positions in traditional Swedish wood frame designs are investigated by using hygrothermal modeling. Traditional North European walls with insulation thicknesses of 220 mm are compared to walls with thicker thermal insulation and alternative designs. The influences of the different wall designs in relation to the risk of mold growth are compared using isopleth and a visual mold chart.
It has been found that there is a higher risk of moisture-related damage in thicker insulated walls. However, this risk could be reduced by choosing more suitable designs in which well-ventilated air gaps behind the cladding and exterior vapor-permeable moisture resistant thermal insulation boards are of great importance.
Department/s
Publishing year
2013
Language
English
Publication/Series
[Host publication title missing]
Full text
Document type
Conference paper
Topic
- Building Technologies
Keywords
- Wood framed walls
- Moisture safety
Conference name
Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings XII
Conference date
2013-12-01
Conference place
Clearwater, Florida, United States
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISBN: 978-1-936504-61-9