Example of good moisture modeling in buildings using WUFI - from design to real world results

What is it about?

We need good design tools to help make our energy-efficient buildings durable, i.e. to avoid water damage. WUFI is a commonly used computer simulation design tool. We illustrate the state of the art in WUFI modeling and then compare the model predictions for a test building with measured values of moisture content in the wall sheathing (OSB). WUFI works, and we illustrate what it takes to get an accurate model of reality, and what the key input parameters were for this model.

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Why is it important?

Our results show that WUFI is a good design tool, and that using exterior insulation (outside the OSB sheathing) to increase wall insulation levels does not cause durability issues in our cold climate. All the walls in our test building were able to dry out. The WUFI model will allow us to model these same insulated walls in other climates.