Influence of the urban heat island effect on interstitial condensation in residential buildings with a temperate oceanic climate in winter: Case of Puerto Montt, Chile

Abstract Interstitial condensation is a phenomenon that occurs when, somewhere inside a construction element, a pressure equal to or greater than the saturation pressure is reached. At this time, condensation will occur inside the element, producing interstitial condensation. This phenomenon occurs mainly in the winter. This type of condensation produces various problems, such as the deterioration of materials, humidity, reduced comfort conditions inside the home and health problems. Further, the urban heat island effect means that due to different factors — building materials, green areas, volumes— temperatures are not homogeneous in all areas of the city. This effect makes the same building in different areas behave differently. This research aimed to analyse the influence of the urban heat island effect on interstitial conditions in a temperate oceanic climate. This study was carried out through a case study consisting of a typical house, with three different constructive solutions, located in four representative city points. The city where the experiment was carried out corresponds to Puerto Montt, in the south of Chile. Puerto Montt has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and long winters. The research results will be helpful when selecting different constructive solutions for the thermal envelope in cities with temperate oceanic climates.