WUFI Pro and roof snow load hygrothermal impacts

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Peterbilt
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WUFI Pro and roof snow load hygrothermal impacts

Post by Peterbilt » Thu Jan 23, 2014 4:36 am -1100

For roof assemblies, the snow load can have a significant impact (topside insulation) on the hygrothermal performance of the assembly, particularly in terms of evaluating ice dam potential.

Does WUFI Pro account for snow accumulation and reduction based on climate and weather data?

I think the answer is no, but could not find any answers within the WUFI Pro help sections or in the forum.

Thanks - Peter
Peter Yost
BuildingGreen, Inc.
Brattleboro, VT USA

Christian Bludau
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Re: WUFI Pro and roof snow load hygrothermal impacts

Post by Christian Bludau » Sun Jan 26, 2014 8:25 pm -1100

Hi Peterbilt,
yes, the answer is no.
The climate data usually have no information about snow.
You could take that in account by using your own climate sets.
We made several tests about that years ago and found out, that you are usually on the save side if you do not take the snow in account, as the temperature of the surface is usually for a long time around zero degrees if there is snow. As for this time the temperature outside can be much lower you will get a cooler surface without simulating the snow and so more moisture in your construction.
Christian

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