Paper 2
Moisture and Condensation in
Residential Buildings in a Relatively Dry Region
S.
J. Sulaiman1 and Ali. Badran2
1Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Applied Science University, Amman 11931, Jordan
2Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Jordan, Amman 11941, Jordan
Abstract
It is not unusual to face moisture problems in buildings in cold
climates and wet regions. It is, however, unusual to have the same problem
in a relatively dry region such as Jordon, which has moderate weather
conditions and mild winters. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of
houses and residential apartments in Jordan are affected. The monitoring
of inside air conditions, wall surface temperatures, ventilation and
living style has shown that a high relative humidity (RH >75%) occurs
at walls resulting in possible condensation. These conditions, with
visible or invisible condensation, enhance mould growth and damage walls.
This apparently results from actual living conditions which fall short of
comfort conditions due to high energy cost, poverty, limited ventilation
and poor wall thermal insulation. Measurements indicated that actual
inside wall surface temperatures were occasionally below the dew point.
This was confirmed by a simple thermal analysis of typical walls showing
the possible drop of inside surface temperatures down to 11oC.
Additional factors to the problem in this region include lack of building
quality control, the demand for cheap housing in which ventilation and
thermal specifications are not a priority and in which heating is only
intermittent heating.
Key words: building
walls, moisture, condensation, mould growth, indoor environment, dry climate.
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