Built Environments

Hygrothermal Modeling

Hygrothermal modeling offers powerful tools for predicting heat and moisture transport through multi-layer building assemblies. We employ independently validated software to simulate building performance under natural conditions. These simulations use real climatic variables and actual material properties to determine moisture storage, vapor and capillary transport, and temperature dynamics. Our clients rely on computer modeling to accurately predict construction drying times, condensation problems, solar-driven moisture, moisture transport through reservoir cladding, mold growth, long-term system behavior, and design criteria for moisture control.

Our recent hygrothermal studies have involved a variety of building envelope systems, including passive house design (Passive House in the Woods), EIFS, and the use of exterior insulation in framed-wall construction. These studies are based on the software program WUFI® Pro developed jointly by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute of Bauphysics (IBP).