Application Instructions
35
Hydromette BL Compact RH-T
4.4.1
Building and Insulation Materials
4.4.1.1
Equilibrium Moisture Content/Household Humidity
The equilibrium values generally mentioned refer to a temperature
of 20 °C and 65 % relative humidity. These values are often
referred to as "household humidity" or as "air-dry". However, these
should not be confused with the values at which the material can
be handled and processed.
Flooring and coatings must be viewed and evaluated in conjunction
with the respective permeability of the material used. For example,
when laying a PVC covering, the later average equilibrium moisture
content is taken as the basis. Please note here the
recommendations provided by trade associations and covering
manufacturers.
When evaluating wall surfaces, the respective long -term
environmental conditions must also be considered. The lime mortar
plaster in an old vaulted cellar can easily have a moisture content
of 2.6 percent by weight, whereas the gypsum plaster in a centrally
heated room would have to be considered as too damp with a
moisture content of 1 percent by weight.
When evaluating the moisture in building material, the surrounding
climate is the primary consideration. All materials are subject to
continuously changing temperatures and air humidity. The
influence of the material moisture depends significantly on the heat
conductibility, the thermal capacity, the resistance to water vapour
diffusion and the hygroscopic properties of the material.
The "expected moisture content" of a material is the moisture level
that corresponds to the average of the equilibrium moisture content
under changing climatic conditions that it is continuously exposed
to. The air humidity values in living areas in central Europe in the
summer are approx. 45 - 65 % rel. humidity and in winter approx.
