Masonry Magazine December 2011 Page. 25
According to the HUD's Path Project (www.pathnet.org), "Moisture, in all of its physical forms, is commonly regarded as the single-greatest threat to durability and the long-term performance of the housing stock. Excessive exposure to moisture is not only a common cause of significant damage to many types of building components and materials, it also can lead to unhealthy indoor living environments. A long list of serious, adverse effects can result from moisture problems in houses. There is wide agreement that successful management of moisture in its various forms is essential for houses (buildings) to be durable, safe and energy efficient."
In its 2004 report, the Path Projected listed the following outcomes of uncontrolled moisture in the building envelope: Decay of wood and corrosion of metals; Infestation by termites and other destructive insects; Negative impacts on indoor air quality; Growth of mold, mildew and other biological contaminants; Reduced building material strength; Expansion/contraction damage to materials; Reduced thermal resistance of wet insulation; Premature failures of paints and coatings; Damage to building contents; Negative effects on building aesthetics.
Enter the key phrase "sustainable rainscreen building envelope" into Google, and you will get more than 18,000 results, including MTT's "Drainable is Sustainable" presentation delivered at last fall's technical meeting of the Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration Institute. A key point of the presentation is that a moisture management solution for the rainscreen building envelope requires a systemic/holistic approach. No single magic bullet exists. It takes a well-considered, coordinated system of products and processes, designed and implemented by a team of professionals working collaboratively at every stage of the project to reach a successful outcome.
Motorcycles, rain suits and moisture management.
TO ILLUSTRATE the importance of a coordinated system in moisture management, let's use the analogy of a motorcyclist riding toward an approaching storm.
DIEDRICH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. A DIVISION OF SANDELL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS A HOHMANN & BARNARD COMPANY
800.283.3888
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