[Bldg-sim] Condensation in heritage buildings - best practice

Daly, Matt Matt.Daly at wesd.org
Tue Dec 2 10:25:09 PST 2008


Just some thoughts on HVAC basics.  Depending on what can be done with your heritage building....Increased R-value of the exterior walls will move the dew point to within the wall.  Combine this with a vapor barrier - a good coat of paint and sealing to prevent conditioned air from entering the wall cavity - and the temperature of the inside surface of the wall is above the dew point.  Efficient glazing will decrease condensation on the windows, but prepare for the inevitable condensation anyway.  A dedicated dessicant system after the mixed air, assuming an air handling system exists or can be installed, would be another or additional method, and would help prevent condensation within the wall cavity which will happen to some extent regardless of how well your walls are sealed.


Matt Daly
Willamette ESD




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