Smarter CLT construction starts with better moisture insight

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is reshaping the future of sustainable construction. Strong, renewable, and visually striking, it’s no surprise it’s become the material of choice for forward-thinking builders and architects.

But like any natural material, CLT has its nuances—especially when it comes to moisture.

At Tector, we believe better insight leads to better buildings. And our data proves it.

What the data tells us about moisture in CLT buildings

After monitoring hundreds of CLT construction projects across Europe, we’ve seen a clear pattern:

• 75% of projects experienced moisture events during construction
• 25% of completed buildings developed issues later on
• And in many cases, those issues were already flagged during the build

It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about giving teams the visibility they need, when it matters most. Because when moisture is monitored in real time, it’s easier to act early and keep your timeline on track.

Real-world example: detecting issues before they escalate

In one recent project, moisture levels stayed well within range for nearly two years. Then, after the building was sealed, three separate ingress events occurred.

Thanks to Tector’s real-time monitoring, the team was alerted immediately. Quick action meant no major damage, no surprises, and no costly repairs.

It’s a great example of how the right tools turn potential setbacks into manageable tasks.

Moisture and timelines: what to expect

One of the lesser-known challenges in CLT construction is drying time. It directly affects when a structure can be safely closed—and when trades can move forward.

• External CLT walls often take up to 10 months to reach safe moisture levels
• Internal walls typically dry within 5 months

But project schedules don’t always reflect this, especially without access to real-time moisture data.

In one case, external walls took 13 months to dry—well beyond expectations. Knowing that early helped the team adapt, rather than react.

With data on your side, your plan becomes more predictable—and your budget, more stable.

Real-time monitoring: a smarter way to build with CLT

CLT is a brilliant material. But like all natural systems, it responds to its environment. That’s where smart technology makes all the difference.

Tector’s real-time monitoring system delivers:

• Intelligent alerts that track changing conditions
• Transparent data for confident handovers
• Reduced risk of hidden damage
• Better coordination between trades and teams
• Peace of mind that the structure is performing as expected

It’s not just about avoiding problems—it’s about building with clarity from day one.

Build with confidence, not assumptions

Every CLT project is different. But they all benefit from one thing: greater visibility.

At Tector, we help construction teams stay one step ahead—protecting timber structures from the inside out, and supporting smooth, sustainable delivery from the first panel to final handover.

Let’s make moisture manageable, not mysterious.