Condensation Analysis: Don’t Leave It Too Late!

Condensation warranty conditions can pose a costly challenge if addressed too late in the design process. As condensation is a complex topic, the requirements range from providing detailed thermal models of window interfaces to check cold spots, to a simpler analysis of wall build-ups to check internal moisture build-up.

In this context, it is essential that developers consider any warranty conditions related to condensation as soon as they become available, as:

• Conditions are frequently vaguely worded, and significant engagement with the warranty provider is required to understand their requirements in full. This can be a lengthy process.
• If any assessment fails after building elements have already been constructed, any necessary design adjustments will be challenging and costly, potentially ending up in construction delays.

By ensuring that key fabric interface details are available very early in the design process, developers can engage with building fabric consultants at an appropriate time to prevent these issues from occurring, even before a calculation is carried out.

Some examples of construction delays that can occur if these conditions are not addressed early include delay in purchasing and installing windows, or re-construction of building elements such as walls and roofs.