A Review of Humidity Buffering in the Interior Spaces
Abstract
A Review of Humidity Buffering in the Interior Spaces CARSTEN RODE,* Associate Professor, M.Sc., Ph.D. Department of Civil Engineering Technical University of Denmark DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark ANDREAS HOLM, Group Leader, Dr.Ing. Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) Postfach 11 52 D-83601 Holzkirchen, Germany TIM PADFIELD, Independent Researcher, Ph.D. May Cottage, Old Road, Harbertonford, Devon, UK TQ9 7TA (Received September 29, 2003) ANUMBER OF questions, which have gained importance lately, require a more detailed consideration of the moisture buffering of the building envelope. These questions include: How do different envelope components react to the variable indoor air conditions in buildings with temporary occupation? What humidity control strategies should be employed to preclude mould formation on the internal surfaces of the building envelope? Can vapour absorbing finishing materials reduce energy consumption and improve conditions of human comfort? What happens to the building envelope when the indoor environment of an old building is dramatically changed e.g. by opening a restaurant? *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: car@byg.dtu.dk Journal of THERMAL ENV. & BLDG. SCI., Vol. 27, No. 3--January 2004221 1097-1963/04/03 02216 $10.00/0DOI: 10.1177/1097196304040543 ß 2004 Sage Publications Misunderstandings often arise due to confusion regarding