Effect of Surface Temperature on Water Absorption Coefficient of Building Materials

Abstract

Water absorption coefficient of a material governs the liquid moisture movement into it. In the case of various components of a building envelope, in particular exterior claddings, this is one of the most important hygrothermal material properties that needs to be assessed to determine the overall moisture management strategy. In different geographical locations, components of the building envelope, in particular the surface of the exterior cladding, are exposed to various temperature regimes. However, the effect of various temperature regimes on the water absorption coefficient of common building materials has not been adequately investigated. This study looks at the water absorption characteristic, determined through water absorption test, of three commonly used building materials (i.e., eastern white pine, red clay brick and concrete)at four temperature levels at the surface of the material, ranging from 3 to 35° C. A clear surface temperature effect on water absorption coefficient and derived liquid diffusivity value is shown in eastern white pine whereas changing the surface temperature shows no effect on the water absorption characteristic of red clay brick and concrete.