Investigation of destructive condensation in Australian cool temperate buildings

Initiated for the Director of building Control, Tasmanian Department of Justice, this study, through the analysis of new building stock, explored the implications of destructive condensation in new Australian cool-temperate buildings. The effects of moisture and moisture control in buildings were analysed, as well as the consequences of vapour-impermeable and unventilated building envelopes, namely platform floors, external walls, roof spaces and infiltration. The implications of building design and building construction practice were also explored, and consequences of the very cursory, and unexpanded performance requirements within the National Construction Code, Building Code of Australia Volume 2 (ABCB, 2002, 2010) were identified. As a result of unconsidered vapour management practises within the built fabric, this research found, at times extensive, evidence of mould and fungal growth and the structural decay of the building fabric. During this research many aspects of built fabric documentation, specification and construction practice were identified as likely causes of the condensation problem within newer Tasmanian homes.