Comparison of measured and calculated temperature and relative humidity with varied and constant air flow in the facade air gap

Calculation of relative humidity and temperature in an early stage of the design process is important to avoid moisture damages in wooden walls. Previous studies show that a sufficient air flow in the air gap behind the façade panel is important to ensure a moisture safe construction. This study investigates if blind WUFI 5.0 calculations with a varied air flow in the air gap behind the façade give a better correlation to measured values compared to calculations with a constant air flow. Calculations for two cases are compared to measured values in single family house. The results show that calculations with a wind dependent air flow does not necessary give better correlation to measured values compared to calculations with a constant air flow. However, the calculated values are confirmed with measured values during the warm period and there are deviations in the outer part of the wall during the cold period. Variations in measured values at the same depth in different places in the studied wall are larger compared to differences between calculated values with or without a wind dependent air flow in the façade air gap.