This page provides information on practical guidance to control moisture in buildings during design, construction and maintenance.
In the absence of water, many building performance problems would never appear. Moisture related problems in building enclosures have three root causes: 1) external sources of moisture; 2) internal sources of moisture; and 3) construction moisture that is present in materials (e.g., wet lumber, cast-in-place concrete, etc.). Moisture management str... See full list on wbdg.org Moisture management, like all environmental control, is achieved through the selection and arrangement of the materials comprising building enclosures. The selection of suitable materials responds to the imposed environmental conditions in terms of heat, air, moisture, and solar energy flows. As a minimum, the materials must be able to manage these... See full list on wbdg.org There is an emerging discussion about what priorities should be given to control measures or functions that constitute the control layers when designing building enclosures. Heat, air, and moisture must all be managed, but is there a more efficient way to address these in the design process? At present, it is generally acknowledged that moisture ma... See full list on wbdg.org The control of bulk water in building enclosure predominantly involves rain control theory, although in some cold regions, snow accumulations and wind-driven snow present special challenges. Below-grade building enclosures (basements, crawlspaces, and slabs-on-grade) must manage precipitation that percolates through the soil as well as fluctuations... See full list on wbdg.org Looking at fundamental strategies for moisture management in exterior wall enclosures, the designer must select an appropriate typology suited to the climatic zone and precipitation exposure. (Refer to Climate, Exposure, Occupancy and Building Energy Profile in WBDG resource page Building Enclosure Design Principles and Strategies. See full list on wbdg.org Selection of a suitable wall type corresponding to precipitation exposure is a necessary but insufficient condition for adequate moisture management. The designer should attempt to observe the 4Ds: 1. Deflectionkeeping as much precipitation off the exterior wall enclosure as practically possible; 2. Drainagedraining away any water that does stri... See full list on wbdg.org Contemporary building science has always advocated pressure-moderated and pressure-equalized rainscreens as the most effective wall enclosure typologies for acceptable rainwater control. Over the past several decades, a great deal of research and development has gone into materials comprising the drainage plane (a.k.a. the water resistive barrier, ... See full list on wbdg.org Definition: EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) are multi-layered exterior wall systems consisting of insulation board, reinforced base coat, and synthetic finish coat. Main Problem: Up to 90% of EIFS failures are related to moisture intrusion, primarily due to improper installation or lack of drainage systems. It is recommended that construction teams develop a moisture management plan, as well as a mass timber handling, storage, and installation plan, to minimize discoloration, mold, and UV degradation on the surface of wood elements, which can pose problems for aesthetics and subsequent topcoats. Learn how to safeguard your home's exterior from moisture issues. Our guide offers easy, effective tips to prevent costly repairs and structural damage. The primary objective is prevention of problems and these strategies, commonly known as the Four Ds, can help you manage moisture and succeed in your building. Failure to properly manage moisture can have catastrophic consequences, not only for building occupants and owners but for those involved in the design and construction of the building. Restricting or controlling water whether its a gas, liquid, or solid state is a critical concern in the design of the exterior envelope. Minimizing the potential for water collecting within a stud cavity is the issue. It will degrade any moisture sensitive building material, and reduce the performance of the wall. While stopping water in []
