Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST)

Course Description

Condensation inside the wall – invisible and often undetected until damage is done – is one of the most insidious risks in façade construction. This course provides architects and building design professionals with practical knowledge of interstitial condensation assessment using the Glaser steady-state method: the procedure for determining temperature and vapour pressure profiles through a multi-layered wall to identify whether and where moisture will accumulate. You’ll learn to construct a Glaser diagram step by step, plotting the saturation vapour pressure curve against the actual vapour pressure profile and interpreting the results. The course explains the role of vapour control layers, the effect of layer order on condensation risk, and the critical difference between seasonal accumulation and evaporation potential. Common mistakes are highlighted: misplaced VCLs, omitted air gaps, and reliance on vapour-open constructions without verification. Presented by Eugene Korch (façade engineer and IAST Programme Director), the course uses real wall build-ups – including insulated rainscreen, timber-frame with cladding, and warm-roof parapets – to demonstrate how the Glaser method reveals hidden condensation risks that are invisible on a standard detail drawing. With hand-calculation worksheets and graphical Glaser diagrams, this course builds confident calculation skills – and helps you recognise where the Glaser method reaches its limits and dynamic simulation is needed instead.