Condensation & moisture management within rainscreen systems

In Australian commercial building design, managing condensation has become increasingly critical with the rise of stringent energy efficiency standards and global climate commitments.

Condensation management in Australia is complex due to the diverse climatic conditions and evolving building practices, including:

• Increased airtightness: Modern standards emphasise airtightness to improve energy efficiency. While this reduces energy loss, it can trap moisture if not properly managed. A 2012 study, reported by the Department of the Environment and Efficiency in 2016, indicated that updated building practices, driven by National Construction Code (NCC) amendments, could potentially cut energy consumption by up to 53%.
• Insufficient ventilation: Enhanced airtightness can reduce natural ventilation, leading to higher indoor humidity and increased condensation risks. Australian buildings have historically relied on passive ventilation to manage internally generated moisture. The relatively milder climate allowed for this to continue in contrast to global trends.
• Climatic variations: Australia's climate ranges from tropical to alpine, each presenting unique challenges for condensation management. For instance, the most populated South-East regions (Zones 5-8) are particularly prone to issues of trapped internal vapour.
• Building materials and design: Inappropriate material choices in wall sarking for the area and ineffective rainscreen design can exacerbate condensation problems.

Download this whitepaper to learn the critical importance of condensation and moisture control in creating healthy buildings and discover effective methods to ensure long-term durability through cavity system management.