Model

Orientation

Orientation refers to the geographical direction a building or a part of the building (like a wall or window) faces. Orientation can significantly impact the amount and intensity of solar radiation a building receives, which in turn affects the thermal and moisture dynamics within the building.

Cavity Ventilation Rate

Cavity ventilation rate refers to the rate at which air moves into and out of a cavity within a building structure, such as a cavity wall or a ventilated rain screen. Ventilation can help remove moisture from a cavity, reducing the risk of condensation and related problems. In hygrothermal modelling, the cavity ventilation rate is a critical factor that can affect the moisture balance in building elements.

Floor Area

Floor area refers to the total area of the floor of a space, measured in square meters. In hygrothermal modelling, floor area directly correlates to internal moisture loading, with larger floor areas typically having lower moisture loading than smaller areas.

Floor to Ceiling Height

This is the vertical distance from the floor to the ceiling of a room. It can influence the volume of air in a room and thus impact internal moisture loading.

Surface Resistances

In the context of hygrothermal modelling, surface resistances represent the resistance to heat and moisture transfer at the internal and external surfaces of a building element (like a wall or roof). This includes both convective and radiative heat transfer on the surfaces, as well as evaporation and condensation of moisture. Surface resistances have a minimal impact on the moisture performance of building components.