Hygrothermal Modelling Guide for Wood Buildings
Building design professionals, such as architects and engineers, now have a valuable resource for improving consistency and accuracy when conducting hygrothermal modelling.
Hygrothermal modelling is a tool that simulates the movement of heat, vapour, and water through materials under various environmental conditions. Practitioners can use the results of the modelling to fine-tune building envelope assemblies to improve the durability of buildings.
For the simulations to be useful, practitioners should be knowledgeable not only about the modelling software itself but also the related building and material physics. This guide focuses on the key hygrothermal properties of wood building materials including oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, dimensional lumber, cross-laminated timber (CLT) and rigid wood fibre insulation.
Inside the guide
Examples of conducting hygrothermal modelling for wood-based assemblies.
Information on modelling inputs and assumptions, including boundary conditions and the physical properties of major wood materials used in both light wood frame and mass timber construction that have been validated against measurements to improve hygrothermal modelling
Modelling outputs and implications, including performance evaluations related to mould growth, decay, and corrosion of metal fasteners
Additional resources on building with wood
FPInnovations has numerous resources for professionals working in the area of wood building construction.