GUTEX wood fibre insulation boards permit diffusion (µ value = 3) and regulate the interior relative humidity by virtue of their ability to absorb and release up to 20% of their weight in moisture without loss of insulation capacity. These two functions improve the living environment of indoor areas significantly.

Water vapour diffusion

Diffusion is the migration of individual, tiny particles (water molecules) resulting from random thermal agitation (Brownian Motion). Everyone is familiar with GORE-TEX and its benefits in sports clothing fabrics, particularly, its breathability, which allows perspiration to evaporate and escape, leaving the individual with a dry, comfortable feeling. A home or workplace is no different. Avoiding condensation on windows, interior walls, etc. is essential to maintaining a pleasant and healthy indoor climate. Construction materials that permit diffusion and transport moisture offer distinct advantages.
GUTEX soft fibreboards feature excellent water vapour permeability due to their very low water vapour diffusion resistance factor (µ) of 3.

Humidity control

Wood, a natural, sustainable resource, has many attributes that make it of great value to the building industry, one of which is its ability to absorb humidity and release it. The moisture content of untreated wood adjusts itself until it reaches a state of equilibrium. The moisture content equilibrium is a function of the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. At 23° C with 50% rel. humidity, the equilibrium moisture content is 8-10%. Wood fibreboards can absorb and release up to 20% of their weight in humidity without a reduction in their insulation performance. Thus, they are extremely effective at lowering excessive humidity in the air. When the air is dry, the boards release the absorbed moisture into the room. Thanks to its humidity regulating function, wood creates a stable, comfortable living environment.

GUTEX insulation boards come with an equilibrium moisture content of approx. 10 % and thereby contain 2.2 litres of water per square metre. They can absorb and retain 2.2 litres of additional water (20 % wood moisture content) per square metre or, if the conditions are too dry, release the same amount.