Dew Point

This 26-minute course offers a comprehensive understanding of 'Dew Point Analysis using ISO 13788,' a fundamental assessment methodology for evaluating interstitial condensation risk within building envelope systems. Through detailed technical instruction using the Glazer method embedded in international standards, participants will learn to configure, execute, and interpret simplified hygrothermal assessments for wall and roof systems using Better Building's analysis platform.

Key Course Content

This course establishes the technical foundation of ISO 13788:2012 as an international standard for hygrothermal performance assessment of building components and elements, introducing you to the fundamental scope and critical limitations of the Glazer method. You'll explore its exclusion of material property variations with moisture content, capillary suction and liquid moisture transfer mechanisms, and air movement effects through gaps and cavities, whilst understanding the standard's applicability to lightweight, airtight structures rather than materials with high moisture storage capacity and when simplified assessment provides design value.

You'll dive into appropriate climate applications for ISO 13788 assessments, contrasting its suitability for consistently cold climates like South Island New Zealand versus warm dynamic climates where more sophisticated methods are required. The course teaches you comprehensive boundary condition setup including external environmental parameters using monthly mean temperatures, daily minimum temperature options, and climate file adjustment strategies for conservative assessment, along with internal environmental condition specification using Annex A.1 continental/tropical climate methods and maritime climate humidity class selection. You'll also master building envelope system configuration including material vapour resistance specification, layer subdivision protocols for thermal resistance exceeding 0.25 m²K/W, and practical assessment of systems with varying vapour permeability characteristics.

The course extensively covers interpreting dew point analysis results including vapour pressure versus saturation vapour pressure curve interpretation, identification of condensation planes at material interfaces, assessment of annual condensation accumulation and evaporation potential, and temperature distribution analysis across system layers. You'll gain experience with peak vapour flow analysis, seasonal condensation patterns, and critical failure identification when condensate does not evaporate over assessment periods. Advanced topics include comprehensive report generation with customised branding, professional presentation of results to design teams and building certifiers, documentation of modeller qualifications and assessment limitations, and strategic integration of simplified assessment within broader building envelope design workflows whilst emphasising clear communication of ISO 13788 limitations and demonstrating assessment value for preliminary design validation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be thoroughly equipped to execute dew point assessments using ISO 13788 methodology, interpret condensation risk results accurately, and provide professional documentation suitable for design team review whilst understanding when more sophisticated hygrothermal analysis is required.

Course Completion

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon achieving an 80% pass mark on the final quiz.

All courses are available in your Team. Read more.