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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Building and Environ...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Building and Environment
Article . 2012 . Peer-reviewed
License: Elsevier TDM
Data sources: Crossref
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Assessment of hygrothermal performance and mould growth risk in ventilated attics in respect to possible climate changes in Sweden

Authors: Nik, Vahid; Sasic Kalagasidis, Angela; Kjellstrom, Erik;

Assessment of hygrothermal performance and mould growth risk in ventilated attics in respect to possible climate changes in Sweden

Abstract

Most of the last 20 years in Sweden have been mild and wet compared to the 1961–1990 climate reference period. After a few relatively cold years in the mid-1980s, practically all years have been warmer than the preceding 30 years average. During the indicated period, an increase of moisture-related problems (mould growth) was observed in ventilated attics, a moisture sensitive building part. This work investigates hygrothermal performance of ventilated attics in respect to possible climate change. Hygrothermal simulations of attics were performed numerically in Matlab. Four attic constructions are investigated – a conventional attic and three alternative constructions suggested by practitioners. Simulations were done for the period of 1961–2100 using the weather data of RCA3 climate model. Effects of three different emissions scenarios are considered. Hygrothermal conditions in the attic are assessed using a mould growth model. Based on the results the highest risk of mould growth was found on the north roof of the attic in Gothenburg, Sweden. Results point to increment of the moisture problems in attics in future. Different emissions scenarios do not influence the risk of mould growth inside the attic due to compensating changes in different variables. Assessing the future performance of the four attics shows that the safe solution is to ventilate the attic mechanically, though this solution inevitably requires extra use of electrical energy for running the fan. Insulating roofs of the attic can decrease the condensation on roofs, but it cannot decrease the risk of mould growth considerably, on the wooden roof underlay.

Country
Australia
Keywords

Attic Building simulation, Mould growth, Climate change, Emissions scenarios, Risk assessment

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    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
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    influence
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citations
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
63
Top 10%
Top 10%
Top 10%