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In recent years, the Australian building industry has seen a rapid increase in moisture related damage due to condensation induced swelling and degradation of building materials. These moisture induced deformations are often so large that they lead to failure of the waterproof membranes and subsequent moisture damage to the structure.
The increase in moisture related problems in homes and other buildings is largely due to:
Changes to the style of modern houses such as the construction of decks and
balconies over habitable spaces, bathrooms on the second floor, laundries in
the middle of houses rather than the garage etc.
Increased thermal insulation; modern buildings do not breathe like their
counterparts of the past,
Increased use of air conditioning.
Reduced quality of building materials.
It is well known that prolonged exposure to moisture is the single most powerful cause of building deterioration . Major problems stemming from this exposure include:
Deterioration of wood and gypsum products.
Corrosion of metal components
Volume changes that cause swelling, warping or shrinkage that can lead to
cracking and structural failures.
Microbial growth such as mould and mildew that can cause health problems.
Further investigation by Loc Composites of this increasing occurrence of
moisture damage in buildings has revealed that this is a worldwide problem.
The Solution
It is clear that moisture related damage has reached a level where it can no
longer be ignored by the building industry. Based on its experience with
moisture in buildings, Loc Composites decided to look for a solution that
would treat the cause of the problem rather than the symptoms. The new fibre
composite building panel will not only eliminate many of the moisture
related problems but is also:
Cost competitive
Easy to install
Ability to carry high concentrated loads
Termite resistant
Light weight
Damage tolerant
Fire resistant
Able to be cut, nailed and glued using standard tools and techniques
Good thermal insulation
Environmentally sustainable, and
Has zero or negligible emissions
This combination of
demanding properties has not been successfully achieved before in fibre
composite building panels.
Problem & Solution
