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:

ISO 13788 Standards Framework and Methodology Limitations

The course begins by establishing the technical foundation of ISO 13788:2012 as an international standard for hygrothermal performance assessment of building components and elements. Participants explore the fundamental scope and critical limitations of the Glazer method, including its exclusion of material property variations with moisture content, capillary suction and liquid moisture transfer mechanisms, and air movement effects through gaps and cavities. The session emphasises the standard's applicability to lightweight, airtight structures rather than materials with high moisture storage capacity.

Climate Applicability and Regional Considerations

A key part of the course delves into appropriate climate applications for ISO 13788 assessments, contrasting its suitability for consistently cold climates (South Island New Zealand) versus warm dynamic climates where more sophisticated methods are required. Participants learn about the displacement of simplified methods by dynamic standards (such as Australia's AIRAH DA07), understanding when simplified assessment provides value versus when comprehensive hygrothermal simulation is necessary, and strategic use of simplified assessment as preliminary design validation before detailed analysis.

Boundary Condition Configuration and Environmental Assumptions

Critical attention is given to comprehensive boundary condition setup including external environmental parameters using monthly mean temperatures, daily minimum temperature options, and climate file adjustment strategies for conservative assessment. The session covers internal environmental condition specification using Annex A.1 continental/tropical climate methods, maritime climate humidity class selection (1-5 scale), and fixed internal condition alternatives. Advanced topics include temperature and humidity adjustment strategies for enhanced design durability.

Multi-Layer System Analysis and Vapour Resistance Assessment

The session extensively covers building envelope system configuration including material vapour resistance specification and layer subdivision protocols for thermal resistance exceeding 0.25 m²K/W. Participants learn to interpret multi-layer system behaviour, identify critical interfaces where condensation risk is highest (membrane-to-structural element boundaries), and understand vapour pressure distribution patterns throughout complex wall and roof assemblies. The course demonstrates practical assessment of systems with varying vapour permeability characteristics.

Results Interpretation and Condensation Risk Analysis

Participants gain comprehensive experience 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. Advanced topics include peak vapour flow analysis, seasonal condensation patterns, and critical failure identification when condensate does not evaporate over assessment periods.

Professional Documentation and Design Team Communication

Advanced topics include comprehensive report generation with customised branding and project-specific information, 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. The course emphasises clear communication of ISO 13788 limitations whilst demonstrating assessment value for preliminary design validation and regulatory discussion.

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.