Condensation management

Condensation management

With a greater focus on making buildings more energy efficient, there comes a greater need to allow internal water vapour and moisture to escape. Understanding principles and how these translate to various approaches to managing condensation, will assist designers and architects appropriately detail steel roof systems.

SynopsisIntended AudienceKey Points and Topics

Principles and approaches for managing moisture in steel roof systems

  • Designers/Architects
  • What is condensation and when is it a problem?
  • Design principles for moisture management in roofs
  • Roof ventilation principles
  • Demonstrates benefit of roof level insulation
  • Condensation management approaches and considerations
  • How different steel clad systems mitigate condensation risk

Learn how to effectively manage moisture in your steel roof system and help prevent condensation issues. This document explores essential principles and provides practical guidance. It looks at:

  • Why there is an increasing need for moisture management in residential buildings.
  • Key design principles for moisture management in roofs
  • Effective ventilation of different roof types
  • Examples of steel clad roof systems and considerations to mitigate condensation risk

Case studies are provided to further assist understanding of how steel roof systems perform.

Moisture management principles are crucial to ensure a healthy building.  Stay informed and keep your building dry and comfortable.

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Further information

The following factsheets each give informative summaries of metal roofs on the topic of condensation, and how conventional current construction practices help to mitigate condensation risk:

FactsheetIntended AudienceKey Points and Topics

Metal Roofing and Condensation

  • Designers/Architects
  • Explains the relationship of condensation above and underneath a roof sheet

Vapour Barriers in Metal Roofing

  • Designers/Architects
  • Explains the benefits of vapour barriers from a thermal and condensation management perspective

Blanket and Foil Insulation

  • Designers/Architects
  • Provides good installation practice and demonstrates blanket and foil as a high performance solution for metal clad roofs

Providing Ventilation at the Eave

  • Designers/Architects/Certifiers
  • Provides clarity on the interpretation of an 'eave' and ventilation paths available ie: above fascia or soffit ventilation


For further enquiries, please contact enquiries@steel.org.au


Explore further topics relating to NCC changes and good practices when installing steel roofing, walling and framing:

Steel wall cladding
Energy efficient steel framing
Bushfire design
Ventilation in steel roofing
Insulated panels