Hygrothermal materials change their moisture content (MC) dependent on the ambient climate. This material property to absorb and desorb moisture and thereby to moderate the indoor variations in relative humidity (RH) is referred to as moisture buffer capacity, MBC [1]. The MBC may be utilized to improve indoor climate and save energy [e.g., 2,3]. In the present study, we investigated the influence of two commercial coatings, namely a varnish and a fire-retardant paint, the glueline and cracking due to aging on the MBC and the water vapour permeability of cross-laminated timber elements (CLT) made of Norway spruce (Picea abies) supplied by Stora Enso.
Keywords: cross-laminated timber, indoor environment, moisture buffering
Authors
Robbe Heyvaerts
NTI (Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology)
Ulrich Hundhausen
NTI
Login to download the PDF