- Author
- Weber, C. G. | Reichel, R. C.
- Title
- Accumulation of Moisture in Walls of Frame Construction During Winter Exposure.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Report
- BMS 93, November 4, 1942, 7 p.
- Keywords
- walls | moisture | construction | exposure | condensation reactions | weather effects
- Abstract
- The condensation and accumulation of moisture in outside walls of frame construction were observed during winter weather in Washington, DC. Seven different constructions were exposed simultaneously as adjacent full-height sections of the north wall of a frame structure. The humidity and temperature of the inside air were controlled to produce an average vapor-pressure drop across the wall of approximately 0.2 pound per square inch. Use of a good vapor barrier on the warm side of the wall prevented condensation. In every instance where no vapor barrier was used on the warm side of the wall, condensation occurred within the wall. The use of a vapor barrier on the cold side of the wall increased the accumulation of moisture. The performance of walls of standard wood construction was not basically different from those containing fiber sheathing boards.