In this master's thesis, we analysed the long-term exposure of wood to different climatic conditions at six locations in Europe. We investigated the moisture content of untreated and thermally modified wood as well as the effectiveness of different protective coatings, such as waxes and glazes. The measurements were carried out between October 2015 and May 2024. The moisture content of façade elements and window profiles, as well as the effects of temperature fluctuations, were monitored. The results indicate that climatic factors, including the amount of precipitation, relative humidity and solar radiation, significantly influence the moisture content of wood. Thermally modified wood showed higher dimensional stability and lower average moisture content compared to untreated wood, with the most effective protection systems being those that combined thermal modification with glazes. Wax-treated systems were found to be more suitable for dry environments, while glazes were more durable in humid conditions. For the window profiles, we observed less temperature fluctuation in thermally modified samples, suggesting improved insulation properties. These results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of climatic conditions on timber façades and support the optimization of material selection and treatment methods for sustainable construction.
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