Product development is often a continuous process in which existing materials and/or components undergo incremental improvements over potentially long periods of time. The optimization of bricks and mortar to improve the thermal resistance of monolithic walls is one example of continuous product development.
The development of entirely new materials usually begins with an idea that will address a practical problem. The next stage of the development usually draws on existing experience and knowledge, but the success and speed of the development will depend on a number of factors. For new building materials and components, hygrothermal simulations can aid in the development process.
This document will describe the development of “smart,” humidity-controlled vapor retarders. Since their market launch in 1997, smart vapor retarders are now well established in the building industry. The development of smart vapor retarders was aided by hygrothermal simulations.