FireDOC Search

Author
Burch, D. M. | Treado, S. J.
Title
Technique for Protecting Retrofitted Wood-Frame Walls From Condensation Damage.
Coporate
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
Journal
ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 84, No. 1, 197-206, 1978
Report
No. 2481,
Keywords
walls | wood | condensation | damage | cellulose | insulation | paints | heat transmission | moisture
Abstract
The stud spaces of a full-scale, wood-frame wall having no conventional vapor barrier were filled with a loose-fill cellulose insulation. A low-permeability paint was applied to the interior surface of one half of the test wall; the other half was untreated. The exterior surface of the test wall was exposed to simulated winter conditions, while the interior surface was exposed to typical indoor conditions. The effectiveness of the low-permeability paint as a protective measure for preventing moisture accumulation was investigated. The paint was effective in reducing moisture transfer into the treated half of the test wall, thereby reducing the possibility of damaging moisture accumulation. In addition, the effect of accumulated moisture on wall heat transmission was examined.