Condensation Fact Sheet
Condensation Fact Sheet METAL BUILDING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION The Condensation Process In metal building systems, we are concerned with two different Condensation occurs when warmer moist air comes in contact areas or locations: visible condensation which occurs on with cold surfaces such as framing members, windows and surfaces below dew point temperatures; and concealed other accessories, or the colder region within the insulation condensation which occurs when moisture has passed into envelope (if moisture has penetrated the vapor retarder). Warm interior regions and then condenses on a surface that is below air, having the ability to contain more moisture than cold air, the dew point temperature. loses that ability when it comes in contact with cool or cold surfaces or regions. When that happens, excessive moisture Signs of visible surface condensation are water, frost or ice on in the air is released in the form of condensation. In metal windows, doors, frames, ceilings, walls, floor, insulation vapor buildings, there are two possible consequences of trapped retarders, skylights, cold water pipes and/or cooling ducts. To moisture in wall and roof systems: (1) corrosion of metal effectively control visible condensation, it is necessary to reduce components and (2) degradation of the thermal performance of the cold surface areas where condensation may occur. It is also insulation. important to minimize the air moisture content within a building by the use of properly designed ventilating systems. Dew Point and Relative Humidity Dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in any Signs of concealed condensation include damp spots, stains, static or moving air column will condense into water.
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