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It's no secret that old buildings were built with greater attention to detail and more moisture resistant and durable building materials, such as old growth lumber, stone, multi-wythe masonry, plaster and lath, etc. In comparison, buildings that are designed and constructed today are composed of significantly more moisture sensitive materials, combined with more risky architectural practices. In this video, we discuss the concept of the "perfect wall" and how it can be applied to create a highly energy efficient wall that could be expected to last for at least 500 years, using historical precedents in combination with modern building materials and techniques.
The building industry is increasingly focused on energy efficiency, with higher energy performance standards being introduced in each new code cycle. There has been a lot of discussion about insulating existing buildings in recent years, however, energy efficiency impacts the design of building envelopes and the types of assemblies we construct. In this video, we discuss the consequences of energy efficiency as it relates to moisture and durability.
Haphazardly insulating an old home can lead to its rapid deterioration, as the drying potential is completely reduced. Insulating comes at a thermodynamic cost, as the flow of heat through the assembly is slowed. While older homes were built with durable, moisture resistant old growth lumber, the lack of insulation and air leakage allowed them to dry out if they ever got wet.
Drainage is crucial for maintaining a dry and sturdy foundation. No matter how good your waterproofing system is, water always manages to find a way inside. Therefore, it is imperative to have a reliable strategy in place to divert and drain water away from the foundation.
The improper use of a vapor barrier can lead to more moisture problems, mold, and rot. In this video, we discuss how vapor barriers work, when you should use them, and the alternative strategies that can help you keep your home dry and durable.
Air barriers and vapor barriers are often used interchangeably in the building industry, but understanding the differences between the two is crucial to prevent future issues. Air leakage in and out of a building is the second leading cause of moisture-related problems such as condensation and mold growth, following bulk water intrusion. In this video, we will discuss the importance of air barriers in controlling moisture, the need for a vapor permeable or impermeable air barrier, or a regular vapor barrier, and how to apply these principles to your project to ensure a long-lasting and durable building for future generations.
Protected membrane roofs, also known as inverted roof assemblies, are the longest-lasting and most energy efficient flat roof systems that one can design and build. Protected membrane roofs perform extremely well in all climate zones, as the flat roof membrane is completely sheltered from heat, ultraviolet light, and water, buried under layers of rigid insulation and gravel ballast.
There are two types of windows - windows that leak and windows that will leak. We have to protect our window openings and provide a means of drainage to ensure that an accumulation of water does not result in water damage or rot. In this video, we explain two of the most critical window flashing details to get right - the window sill detail, and the window head detail.
Parapets in a flat roof assembly are often a source of leaks, moisture issues, and air leakage, as they are the intersection between the exterior walls and roof plane that are exposed on three sides to weathering, in addition to interior air leakage. Parapet walls must effectively transition the flat roof membrane to the weather resistive barrier on the exterior walls, using a series of flashings and membranes to ensure water-tight and air tight connections between dissimilar materials. Parapet walls must be designed to resist and shed bulk water, prevent air leaks that can deposit moisture into the cavity space, and be constructed to remain durable throughout the service life of the building.
Insulating mass masonry walls poses a number of moisture challenges, from both exterior and interior sources. Adding insulation to mass masonry walls slows the flow of heat and the amount of heat available to dry out the walls. The masonry walls also stay colder for longer periods of time, which can result in freeze-thaw damage and the rapid deterioration of embedded wood components, especially if the masonry is saturated with water.
Concrete is a thermal mass, and tends to absorb heat as well as cold temperatures. We need to be thermally uncoupling slab on grade floors, not only to save on our energy bills but to maximize comfort within our homes. In this video, we discuss 5 different options for a fully insulated concrete slab on grade foundation for new construction.
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