Wood construction / CLT during construction
Wood construction / CLT during the construction phase — risk management with data
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) offers strong, lightweight, and durable building components with excellent performance. However, during the construction phase, CLT is exposed to additional risks due to moisture, weather influences, and changes in the indoor climate. Without insight into moisture behavior and drying processes, problems may only become apparent at a time when intervention is costly or difficult.
Inscio makes these risks visible through continuous monitoring, enabling contractors and construction teams to anticipate moisture stress, condensation, and material behavior before damage occurs.
Why CLT is vulnerable during the construction phase
CLT is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture from the environment and releases it slowly, depending on weather conditions and construction logistics. During transport, storage, and assembly, the material may:
- absorbing moisture due to rain exposure or insufficient sealing
- delayed drying due to high relative humidity or poor ventilation,
- remain moist under temporary protection,
- experience condensation due to temperature fluctuations.
- This exposure to moisture can lead to delamination, mold growth, deformation, or other degradation processes that affect the quality of the construction if they are not recognized in time.
- moisture buildup in recesses, shafts, cavities, and other poorly ventilated areas
- be exposed to additional moisture before the roof is fully waterproof or during temporary roof construction phases
Where should I measure?
Measuring in wood
Measuring the moisture content directly within the wood provides immediate insight into the moisture content of the CLT structure. During transport, storage, and construction, wood can absorb moisture from rain, construction moisture, or temporary exposure to the elements. An elevated moisture content can slow down the drying process and, over time, lead to mold growth, warping, or deterioration of the material. Continuous monitoring provides insight into the actual behavior of the structure and allows for timely intervention when moisture levels deviate from expectations.
Measuring in recesses, cavities, and spaces
Openings, shafts, utility spaces, and other hollow structural elements are often the most critical areas in timber construction. Ventilation is limited in these areas, and damp conditions can persist for long periods without being visible. It is precisely here that there is an increased risk of condensation and unwanted moisture buildup. By monitoring temperature and humidity in these spaces, insight into the climate around the structure is gained, and risks can be identified early on before damage occurs.
Measurements in roofs
In wooden buildings, the roof is a key area of concern. During the construction phase, the building is often not yet fully watertight, and moisture can penetrate the structure through the roof assembly or flashing details. Even during the operational phase, leaks or condensation in the roof can go unnoticed for long periods. By monitoring moisture, temperature, and humidity in the roof, you gain insight into the condition of both the roof structure and the underlying timber structure. This allows for early detection of abnormalities and significantly reduces the risk of hidden damage.
What does inscio measure?
Why this is important
Inscio continuously measures the crucial parameters that determine the behavior of CLT:
Moisture in the panels
- Moisture content in the core and on the surface.
- Recognizes slowly emerging trends before they become problematic.
Temperature & dew point
- Monitor temperature differences and relative humidity.
- Calculates dew point conditions to predict the risk of condensation.
Indoor climate around the CLT
- Measure RV and temperature in zones with CLT during finishing.
- Identifies undesirable conditions at an early stage.
- Provides insight into the conditions in recesses, shafts, cavities, and other hard-to-reach areas where moisture can accumulate.
This data helps construction teams see where, when, and why risks arise, not just whether there is a value above a threshold.
Risks commonly encountered in wood/CLT construction
- Moisture accumulation during transport and storage, even if panels are covered.
- Prolonged high moisture content in the core due to insufficient drying or ventilation.
- Condensation on surfaces and edges during temperature fluctuations.
- Problems with connection details and openings, where moisture can easily penetrate.
- Unforeseen mold and degradation risks during prolonged exposure.
- Moisture buildup in recesses, shafts, utility rooms, and other hollow structural elements where ventilation is limited.
- Risks associated with temporary or permanent roof structures, where moisture exposure may occur before the building is fully waterproof.
Without continuous monitoring, these risks only become apparent when it is too late to intervene easily.
More information
Sensors
- Inscio transforms moisture management from ad hoc inspections to continuous risk management
How Inscio helps you during construction
Real-time insight
Data is continuously collected, without manual measurements or sampling.
Risk identification
Deviations are automatically detected and reported.
Decision-making
Objective data supports decisions about protection, drying, and planning.
Documentation
Data is immediately available for review and accountability to clients.
