Assessing and managing condensation risk in buildings involves a comprehensive consideration of various factors. These factors can be broadly categorized as follows:
Exterior Environment: This encompasses both macro and local microclimates surrounding the building.
Interior Environment: Factors such as building use, intended occupancy levels, and conditioning methods employed within the structure.
Building Envelope: This includes the position, thickness, and material properties of building materials, especially insulation, vapour barriers, and breathable membranes as required by building codes and standards.
Ventilation: Assessing the adequacy of both mechanical and passive ventilation systems, both within the building itself and cavities and roof spaces.
Thermal Analysis and Dew Point: Understanding the thermal characteristics of the building envelope and identifying dew point locations are crucial for mitigating condensation risk.
Frequency of Condensation Risk: Determining how often condensation risk occurs in the given environment. Various tools are available for building designers and engineers to evaluate condensation risk.
While many user-friendly software models have been developed internationally, not all may be fully tailored to Australian conditions. However, generic material properties and detailed climate data are readily accessible, and fundamental psychrometric principles apply universally. When in doubt, it's highly recommended to conduct or commission a condensation risk analysis. This analysis enables a thorough assessment of risks, facilitating informed decisions on necessary mitigation measures.
Calculation Methods for Condensation Risk :
Surface Condensation: The British Standard BS EN ISO 13788:2002 provides a method for calculating internal surface temperatures critical to avoiding surface humidity and interstitial condensation. Parameters such as external and internal temperatures, relative humidity, and thermal resistance of the building envelope are considered. To prevent mould growth, surface relative humidity should not persist above 80% for extended periods.
Interstitial Condensation: Two main methods are employed in assessing interstitial condensation risk: steady-state and transient.
Steady-State Methods: These methods assume one-dimensional, steady-state conditions and are often referred to as "Glaser methods." While simplistic, they offer a practical means to estimate condensation risk. Though not precise prediction tools, they aid in comparing different constructions and assessing modification effects. Limitations include not accounting for dynamic changes within constructions.
Transient Methods: More complex than steady-state methods, transient calculations model dynamic changes within constructions over time intervals, considering factors such as moisture content variation, material properties, air movement, and hygroscopic capacities. They provide a more detailed understanding of condensation risk dynamics.
In summary, a thorough understanding of these factors and calculation methods is essential for effectively managing condensation risk in buildings, ensuring occupant comfort, and structural integrity, and preventing moisture-related issues such as mould growth and structural damage.