| Water intrusion through building envelopes, and resultant damage it causes,
including mold, has become a well-publicized tragedy and substantial cost
burden for building owners. So why wait for moisture intrusion problems to
occur when there are techniques available to catch problems before they
occur?
Based on its extensive forensic experience (more than 15 years) in evaluating
hundreds of buildings with moisture intrusion and mold problems,
CH2M HILL has found that nearly all of these problems could have been
prevented. The critical role of the building envelope in building performance
is now being recognized by the industry. In fact, more and more owners are
asking how to commission the building envelope. Unfortunately, little
information currently exists on building envelope commissioning.
Taking a proactive approach, CH2M HILL has developed a complete strategy
for problem prevention, which builds on the construction industry's use of
commissioning and established testing protocols. Our goal is to minimize the
potential for water intrusion problems.
For each project phase, CH2M HILL has established peer review strategies,
specifications, and construction phase testing and inspection protocols for
commissioning of new building construction. A number of methods for both
qualitative and quantitative testing of building envelopes can be applied as
part of commissioning activities during construction. These tests are generally
based on accepted industry standards.
Using case studies of buildings recently commissioned by CH2M HILL, this
paper will present an overview of the techniques CH2M HILL has developed
for commissioning of building envelopes to minimize water intrusion. |