Monitoring Moisture in the Faroe Islands’ First CLT Building
In the first-ever CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) construction project in the Faroe Islands, the contractor and client set out to demonstrate that timber construction is possible in a climate with three times as much rain as the UK. To monitor moisture levels throughout the build, they partnered with DTU (Technical University of Denmark), which recommended Tector’s sensor solution. The use of Tector sensors allowed the project team to maintain moisture control from day one, ensuring the long-term durability and sustainability of the timber structure.
Challenge
Building with timber on the Faroe Islands presented a significant challenge due to the extremely wet climate. The contractor, one of the largest developers in the region, was keen to lead the way in sustainable construction using CLT, but managing moisture throughout the build was critical to prevent damage. The team needed a solution that could continuously monitor moisture levels, ensure proper drying of timber components, and prevent long-term structural issues. After consulting with DTU, the experts recommended Tector’s advanced moisture monitoring system.
Solution
Tector's moisture sensors played a crucial role throughout the construction process. From the beginning, the team set moisture tolerance thresholds for each building component and used sensors to monitor conditions in real time. These sensors were strategically placed in key areas, such as window joints, roof edges, and lower frame sections, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
The sensors provided daily updates, which the construction team integrated into their quality assurance system, Dalux. They used the data to make informed decisions, such as determining when it was safe to insulate or paint the timber. Tector's application allowed the team to generate detailed reports, which were shared with project management to document progress and moisture control. Additionally, sensors were installed in two apartments to monitor the building's condition for the next 10 years, ensuring long-term durability.
Impact
The use of sensors enabled several critical discoveries that significantly impacted the construction. For example, it quickly became evident that the original baseboard solution was insufficient. Data collected from the sensors confirmed this, leading the project team to immediately implement a new solution with steel brackets, which improved airflow beneath the CLT elements.
Initially, random sampling was conducted, but these were quickly abandoned as the sensor measurements proved just as accurate. From this point, most quality assurance was performed using Tector's sensors. The user-friendly interface of the application enabled the contractor to monitor moisture levels daily from their phone, providing continuous oversight of the building’s condition.
Where the sensors indicated potential issues, extra attention was given, notes were taken, and follow-ups were made through the application. The long-term use of the sensors also provided a guarantee of building integrity, with real-time moisture monitoring extending for up to 10 years.
Tector’s solution ensured that the project met its sustainability goals while overcoming the unique moisture challenges presented by the Faroe Islands' climate.
