|
Water Management
Water and its impacts on housing is the leading cause of callbacks and construction failure related litigation, costing the US Homebuilding industry an estimated $9B in losses annually. Dealing with bulk water through the use of proper construction materials and detailing starting with site planning, drainage, drainage planes and flashing to wall design and detailing are all important steps towards reducing that risk.
 Featured Videos
Wall Framing
|
 |
There are many steps a builder must take when framing the walls of a home to assure that moisture and bulk water are managed. These issues and details include;
Inspect material on delivery/protect from moisture
Keep subfloors dry
Wall sheathing
House wraps
Chimney/fireplace flashing
|
|
Roof
|
 |
The roof catches and sheds a tremendous amount of water over the course of a year. How a builder details that roof impacts that buildings ability to handle that load with attention paid to;
Proper shingle install
Valley, step flashing, cricket installation
Proper sealing of penetrations
Proper attic ventilation
|
|
Mechanicals
|
 |
A home's mechanical systems play and important part in keeping it dry and free from moisture problems that can cause callbacks for builders and health and comfort problems for homeowners. In this video we will take a look at the following systems and their interrelationships;
HVAC
Proper sizing
Dampers
Outside air intake
Humidifiers
Plumbing
Proper PVC and copper install
Sealing/flashing wall and roof penetrations
Sump pumps
Ventilation
Bath fans
Range hoods
Dryer vents
Gas fireplaces
|
|
Insulation
|
 |
How insulation is installed and detailed also impacts the management of moisture in a new home. A number of issues must be properly addressed, as in this video and;
Kraft faced insulation
Insulate behind tub/shower units
Proper sealing of penetration
Caulking
Seal where you see light
|
|
Thermal Bridging in Walls
|
 |
Keeping the wall assembly warm is essential to controlling moisture and preventing mold and performance problems. These issues are further elaborated upon in this video;
Vapor Migration
Dew Point
Condensation & Mold
|
|
Controlling Humidity in Walls
|
 |
The Building Science behind humidity and moisture control in walls is further investigated in this video, including;
Absolute Humidity explained
Changing Relative Humidity in a room
Thermal bridging in a wall
|
|
Exterior Cladding
|
 |
Like the roof, the walls and their exterior finish must be properly detailed to shed a tremendous amount of direct, run-off and wind-blown rainfall. In order to properly handle that water, care must be taken with the following details;
Brick
Head and bed joints
Maintaining a clean air space
Weep holes
Lightweight Stone
Double layer weather membrane
Scratch coat
Proper door and window flashing
|
|
Flashing and Runoff Controls
|
 |
Finally, dealing with the holes in the various building elements and how we direct water away from them and the main building elements is critical to moving the water out. In this video we take a look at a number of these issues, including;
Window and door flashing/sealing
Review all roof and wall penetrations
Proper gutter and downspout sizing and installation
Splash blocks
Final grade details
|
|
|
|
