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Abstract

In Norway, it is common practice to use a polyethylene foil as a vapour barrier on the warm side of the thermal insulation in wood frame construc tions. The question has been raised whether such a vapour barrier is really necessary. It has been claimed that so-called "breathing constructions" would contribute to bet ter indoor climate conditions and have just as good moisture performance as tradi tional constructions, even in a cold climate.

The paper summarises the results from two laboratory test series with wood frame walls having barriers with different water vapour resistance on warm and cold sides of the heat insulation. The results are discussed and some preliminary requirements regarding the vapour resistance of the barriers are outlined. The subject will be fol lowed up in further research in the laboratory and in a test house.

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References

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Wood Frame Walls in Cold Climate —Vapour Barrier Requirements

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