Buildings failing to keep rainwater on the outside is an ongoing issue for construction, but the more insidious growing concern is managing condensation. The combination of temperature, humidity and ventilation (or lack of) can cause water build-up within walls. This may result in a multitude of problems such as black mould with its well documented health risks, along with deterioration of building materials including steel corrosion and poor performing insulation.
The long-term cost to developers, building managers, and ultimately inhabitants, is significant. This is presently a major issue within the construction industry, however early steps are being taken to address the matter, with the inclusion of Condensation Management into NCC 2019. This requires that “risks associated with water vapour and condensation must be managed to minimise their impact on the health of occupants.” Routes to comply with this include modelling of the wall system performance, drained cavities and vapour permeable building membranes.
The actual methods of managing condensation will differ depending on building location and expected use. Typically good practice involves the use of a vapour permeable wall structure. That is that the insulation and linings allow vapour to diffuse through the wall and drain out in the cladding cavity rather than building up in the wall – much like a breathable rain jacket allows perspiration to disperse rather than building up sweat! The exception to this is northern Australia where an external vapour barrier may be more suited due to the higher outdoor humidity.
Siniat Weather Defence is a deemed non-combustible vapour permeable system featuring an external gypsum sheathing board. Waterproof and completely mould resistant, the Siniat Weather Defence is breathable allowing vapour to escape, just like a breather membrane, while also making the building watertight at early stages for internal trades.
Key benefits include:
- As a gypsum board it is lightweight and simple to install, suitable for almost all facades.
- Rated for much higher KPA’s than traditional breather membranes.
- Deemed non-combustible to C1.9e(i) and (iii), it complies with both NCC 2016, Amendment 1 and NCC 2019.
- The board can be exposed for up to 12 months prior to cladding, allowing early install and providing a significant reduction to project timelines.
To find out more about how Siniat Weather Defence can work for your construction projects please visit our product page . Our team are also on hand to discuss your developments with you via the live chat function below or on phone – 1800 007 175.