Investigating the impact of construction workmanship defects on the hygrothermal performance and airtightness of lightweight-structure wooden envelope systems

Global energy demand continues to increase, and the construction sector has a fundamental role in this subject by achieving high hygrothermal performance. This study evaluates the impact of construction quality defects on the hygrothermal performance and airtightness of a lightweight-structure wooden envelope system. Four typical defects were evaluated, orifices in the weather barrier, staples in the vapor barrier, nails diverted to external insulation, and separated structural elements. The results showed that all the defects decreased the hygrothermal performance of the wood-frame envelope assessed. Structural separation and staples over the vapor barrier caused the most significant negative variations, increasing heat loss, the probability of interstitial condensation and air infiltration considerably.

Automated summary

Construction quality defects have a negative impact on the hygrothermal performance and airtightness of a lightweight-structure wooden envelope system. Four common defects, such as orifices in the weather barrier, staples in the vapor barrier, nails diverted to external insulation, and separated structural elements, were evaluated. The results indicate that all these defects decrease the hygrothermal performance of the wood-frame envelope, with structural separation and staples over the vapor barrier causing the most significant negative variations, including increased heat loss, interstitial condensation, and air infiltration.