| Abstract | The escalating impacts of climate change have heightened precipitation and humidity level variations, intensifying the susceptibility of building envelope materials to moisture ingress. Such moisture-related issues pose significant threats to both short and long-term building lifetimes, including the emergence of mold growth risks. In response to this critical concern, an experimental study was undertaken to comprehensively assess the hygric properties of selected building materials, with a primary focus on three sheathing membranes (Spun-bonded PO film, Self-adhesive film, 60-min building paper) and two types of exterior sheathing (Type X Glass-Mat Sheathing and Regular Glass-Mat Sheathing). The investigation aimed to evaluate crucial material characteristics such as moisture diffusivity, water absorption coefficient, vapor permeability, water permeability resistance, hydrophobicity and density. Both gravimetric and non-gravimetric approaches were employed in a series of experiments to ensure a thorough analysis. The liquid diffusivity, a critical parameter for hygrothermal simulation, was determined by establishing moisture profiles across the sampling using Single-Sided Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SS-NMR) as a magnetic tool. The results obtained through these experiments provide the data of hygric properties of the materials which are essential for assessing the moisture erformance of building envelope. The data generated, particularly the moisture diffusivity values determined by SS-NMR, serve as crucial inputs for future hygrothermal simulations, enabling more accurate predictions and informed decision-making in building design and construction. This report contributes to the ongoing efforts in developing resilient building materials capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate-induced moisture variations. |
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