WALL TESTING PROTOCOLS FOR CANADIAN ARCTIC HOMES

Two wall-testing protocols used for evaluating wall assemblies in the Canadian arctic were developed. The protocols were developed as part of a project to develop building envelope assemblies that are energy efficient and durable under extreme cold outdoor climates and indoor conditions typically found in these climes. The objective of the testing phase was to evaluate the hygrothermal performance of wall assemblies as well as providing input for hygrothermal simulations. The exterior test protocol was based on a representative arctic location selected on the basis of a climate characterization study carried out using Canadian locations. The protocol comprises four parameters: temperature, wind, atmospheric moisture, and solar irradiance. An accelerated test lasting six weeks was defined. Three seasons are represented; winter, spring, and summer. The interior protocol was based on data obtained from a survey of interior conditions of Canadian houses located in cold regions as part of the project. The interior protocol comprises two parameters temperature and interior moisture, and is intended to be used with the exterior protocol. KEYWORDS: arctic, housing, wall-testing, protocols, climate, moisture hygrothermal-simulation