Division of Building Materials, LTH, Lund University
Abstract
Summary In the majority of the field studies reviewed in this report samples were exposed outdoors above ground and only the average moisture content was determined. Therefore, no information is given about the moisture content in joints and other moisture traps. In many of the field studies, information on relative humidity, temperature, rainfalls etc. is missing and consequently these field studies cannot be used for relating the level of moisture content in the wood to the climate. Since the field studies are comparative studies it is, however, possible to summarise which parameters, wood properties and handling conditions, that do or do not affect the moisture uptake of wood. In some of the studies, factors affecting the growth of the tree are directly related to secondary wood properties such as the moisture uptake instead of to the primary wood properties such as density. The influence of different paint systems on the moisture content of wood has been widely studied. However, most studies only compare the effect of different paint systems or the impact of various end grain sealers. The impact of coating colour has also been studied. Few attempts have been made to study the impact of design on the moisture content. Most studies on this subject concern claddings. Studies on how duration of surface moisture is affected by design are also missing, as are studies relating climate to moisture content
