Study of Different Climate and Boundary Conditions on Hygro-Thermal Properties of Timber-Framed Envelope

Abstract

The present paper deals with a study of different climate effects and defining boundary conditions on mould growth risk inside building envelope. The case structure represents a common envelope of timber-framed singlefamily house. Weather conditions from Utsjoki, Oulu and Joensuu are considered in the analysis representing climate gradients wet and dry, coastal and inland conditions during a period of 6 years.Mould growth initiation and progression require a sufficiently high humidity at suitable temperature range. Coastal regions characteristically have humid and warm climate that causes higher risk for mould growth than the more dry inland locations. The most unfavorable conditions for mould growth were seen in the coldest and the northernmost location. Hygro-thermal simulation also presented significant differences in key interior boundary conditions that, considering standard approach, may be interpreted as potential structural health issues.