It is essential to protect buildings from prolonged excessive exposure to moisture during construction. Timber
and wood products are hygroscopic materials, meaning they can absorb (take in) or adsorb (let out) water from
their surroundings. Wood always balances its moisture content with its surroundings, irrespective of age.
This guide discusses the effects of timber exposure to excessive moisture, provides strategies to minimise moisture ingress during construction, and recommends remedial actions if necessary. The guide focuses on timber-framed buildings generally associated with residential construction. A separate WoodSolutions guide provides advice on moisture management for mass timber buildings.
Moisture Management of Timber Frame Construction
It is essential to protect buildings from prolonged excessive exposure to moisture during construction. Timber and wood products are hygroscopic materials, meaning they can absorb (take in) or adsorb (let out) water from their surroundings. Wood always balances its moisture content with its surroundings, irrespective of age.
This guide discusses the effects of timber exposure to excessive moisture, provides strategies to minimise moisture ingress during construction, and recommends remedial actions if necessary. The guide focuses on timber-framed buildings generally associated with residential construction. A separate WoodSolutions guide provides advice on moisture management for mass timber buildings.