Abstract
Elevated temperatures in the air gap of the building envelope due to solar irradiation can lead to accelerated degradation and weathering of polymeric products such as the wind barrier. In this study, a validated, hygrothermal model of a Zero Emission Building was simulated with 10-year climate files for seven different European locations. The temperature conditions inside the air gap were then used to calculate differences in degradation for a polyethylene membrane both compared to the envelope orientations of the same location (microclimate) and the other investigated locations (macroclimate), using the Arrhenius model. The results indicate that within the same location, façade orientation can lead to substantial differences in degradation rates, ranging from a factor of 1.60 (Tromsø) to 2.56 (Rome). Even more pronounced are the differences between the locations, such as a tenfold increase in ageing from Tromsø to Rome. The findings highlight the need for improved, climate-specific test methods and underscore the importance of tailoring products or maintenance strategies to local exposure, with more frequent inspections and replacements required in warmer or more exposed environments.