Component simulation in hygrothermics

Avoiding damage: effective moisture control planning through simulation

Often called for by governments, efforts to conserve energy have led to a significant improvement in thermal insulation and building impermeability. However, this is accompanied by an increased risk of moisture damage due to higher levels of room humidity and the potential formation of condensation. Since there is also less warmth for moisture to evaporate from building components, other effects such as rainwater, condensation from the outside or building moisture also pose greater threats than in the past.

It is therefore more important than ever today to consider hygrothermal conditions closely, plan targeted moisture control measures and devise new solutions. Through careful planning and the implementation of moisture control methods, as well as by selecting suitable materials, most damage can be successfully avoided.

A traditional method for assessing moisture control is the so-called Glaser method. However, this only takes into account the formation of condensation in winter due to diffusion from the interior. Other factors that are important for many constructions, such as building moisture, driving rain or condensation in summer, are not considered.

Hygrothermal simulation software allows all relevant hygrothermal storage and transport processes in the components to be realistically calculated under genuine climatic conditions. This makes it possible to plan comprehensive moisture control that takes the energetic effects of moisture into account. Ever since 1995, when we started licensing the software family WUFI® (abbreviation for Wärme und Feuchte instationär (English: transient heat and moisture)), the demand for this has grown worldwide.

Through intensive program maintenance, we guarantee the rapid implementation of new building physics findings as well as the continuous extension of material and climate databases. In cooperation with a large number of international partners, the functionality of the programs is constantly being enlarged, e.g. in order to assess leaks, damage mechanisms and aging processes.

Assessing a building by means of hygrothermal simulation complies with the state of the art and the recognized technological standards. It is also required when evaluating constructions according to DIN 4108-3, for example.