The Institute, in partnership with the ABCB and industry, has produced a handbook to provide greater clarification for managing condensation in buildings.

This non-mandatory handbook is intended to assist architects, designers and builders in the assessment and the management of the risk of condensation and its consequences in the contemporary industry environment and should be read in conjunction with the BCA provisions relating to damp and weather-proofing, and energy efficiency in all classes of buildings.

Appropriate detailing of buildings ensures they remain serviceable, the occupants remain healthy and that the design life of the building is not compromised. The outcome of failing to adequately detail for moisture control is a common underlying cause of many reported building failures. The rectification of the side-effects of condensation can result in costly repairs, and in the case of related fungal and mould infestations, prohibitively expensive repairs. 

Traditionally our buildings were not airtight and had little or no insulation.  However, as a result of changing occupant practices and the introduction of mandatory energy-efficiency requirements, building practices are changing, requiring a change in detailing so that moisture-related problems are adequately managed.

While a common cause of moisture-related problems is due to water ingress, the focus of this handbook is controlling moisture within the building's fabric resulting from condensation.

Download a copy of the Condensation Handbook here