Maximizing Building Durability: A Practical Guide to Minimize Water-Related Construction Damage

Water damage can significantly reduce a building’s lifespan or lead to costly repairs. Understanding the various types of damage caused by moisture is crucial for effective prevention:

Decay of Wood-Based Materials
Spalling of Masonry due to Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Damage to Gypsum Plasters by Dissolution
Corrosion of Metals
Damage due to Expansion of Components or Materials
Spalling and Degradation from Salt Migration
Failure of Finishes and Creep Deformation
Reduction in Strength or Stiffness

Preventing water-induced damage requires attention at every construction phase: design, construction, and building commissioning. In this comprehensive guide, we explore effective strategies to limit water-induced damage throughout the construction process.

Designing for Durability: Mitigating Water-Induced Damage from the Start

Moisture Sources and Migration

Understanding the sources and migration of moisture is crucial. We delve into design evaluation tools and methods to limit water-induced damage in the article “How to Limit Water-Induced Damage to Buildings in the Design Stage.”

Construction Phase: Practical Methods for Damage Limitation

Inappropriate Building Positioning

Avoid constructing buildings in flood-prone areas or those with high water tables.

Inadequate Flashings and Curbs

Ensure proper height for flashings and curbs, considering peak rainfall, runoff, and wind velocities.

Integration with Cladding or Roofing Systems

Avoid common errors by integrating flashings properly with roofing or cladding systems.

Entrapments

Use vapor retarders and appropriate coatings to dissipate moisture and prevent degradation.

High Thermal-Conductance Paths

Prevent condensation by reducing indoor humidity, selecting materials with low conductivity, and considering insulation options.

Ice Damming

Limit heat loss, cool roof decks through ventilation to prevent the formation of ice dams.

Incompatible Materials

Ensure compatibility between adjacent materials, such as sealants with substrates or mortars with masonry units.

Field Check Lists: Ensuring Quality During and After Construction

During Construction

Confirm builder understanding of design intent regarding moisture management.
Ensure components meet specifications and design intent.
Check moisture content of materials; avoid using wet materials in inappropriate locations.
Inspect workmanship, including below-grade drainage, capillary breaks, vapor retarders, flashing, and window installation.

At Commissioning

Verify precipitation management, proper grading, gutter pitch, downspout termination, flashings, and sealant applications.
Check air handling system pressure balancing.
Plan for building operation during the first year of occupancy for moisture dissipation.

In Service

Promptly address unexpected performance issues, like leaks, window fogging, and indoor mold growth.
Document treatments and dates, note changes in occupancy characteristics.
Record maintenance activities, including painting and sealant maintenance.
Keep track of renovations, modifications, and landscaping changes that may affect site drainage.
Periodically monitor indoor humidity, adhere to combustion appliance usage limits.
Regularly check windows, caulk seals, gutters, downspouts, and roof space for potential issues.
Biannual plumbing leak checks, particularly around sinks, shower enclosures, and bathtubs.
Monitor landscaping irrigation to prevent unintended wetting of the building.

By following these practical steps and checklists, you can effectively minimize water-induced damage throughout the construction process and ensure the long-term durability of the building.