Hygro-thermal and Mould Growth Risk Analysis of Common Foundation Structures

Hygro-thermal analyses apply official weather data measured in Oulu region in Finland from 2009 to 2015 representing humid coastal conditions. The long-term analysis depicts hygro-thermal conditions inside the structure and on its layered interfaces and predicts mould growth initiation in selected positions. The numerical simulation indicates that applying less sensitive structural material on top of a building skin to protect timber-frame from humid external conditions would be beneficial. The conditions in wooden elements cause issues at a certain range of thermal conditions and sufficient exposure time. The study highlights problems that may occur in the ambient of foundation structures of common timber-framed houses.