12. Glossary

Straw bale

A manufactured product made from compressed agricultural waste, used as thermal insulation in a building system, typically as a fill material in a wood-frame structure.

Hygroscopic capacity

A material's ability to absorb, store, and then release moisture in response to changes in ambient relative humidity.

Interstitial condensation

The formation of liquid water on the inside of a wall when the water vapor pressure locally exceeds the saturated vapor pressure.

Surface condensation

The appearance of water on the surface of a material when the surface temperature drops below the dew point of the surrounding air.

Vapor convection

Water vapor transport associated...