4.1 Moisture degradation is frequently a significant factor that either limits the useful life of a building or necessitates costly repairs. Examples of moisture degradation include: (1) decay of wood-based materials, (2) spalling of masonry caused by freeze-thaw cycles, (3) damage to gypsum plasters by dissolution, (4) corrosion of metals, (5) damage due to expansion of materials or components (by swelling due to moisture pickup, or by expansion due to corrosion, hydration, or delayed ettringite formation), (6) spalling and degradation caused by salt migration, (7) failure of finishes, and (8) creep deformation and reduction in strength or stiffness.
4.1.1 Moisture accumulation within construction components or constructions may adversely affect serviceability of a building, without necessarily causing immediate and serious degradation of the construction components. Examples of such serviceability issues are: (1) indoor air quality, (2) electrical safety, (3) degradation of thermal performance of insulations, and (4) decline in physical appearance. Mold or mildew growth can influence indoor air quality and physical appearance. With some components, in particular interior surface finishes, mold or mildew growth may limit service life of the component. Moisture conditions that affect serviceability issues can frequently be expected, unless corrected, to eventually result in degradation of the building or its components. This guide does not attempt however to address serviceability issues that could be corrected by cleaning and change in building operation, and that would not require repair or replacement of components to return the building (or portions or components of the building) to serviceability.
4.2 Prevention of water-induced damage must be considered throughout the construction process including the various stages of the design process, construction, and building commissioning. It must also be considered in building operation and maintenance, and when the building is renovated, rehabilitated or undergoes a change in use.
4.3 This guide is intended to alert designers and builders, and also building owners and managers, to potential damages that may be induced by water, regardless of its source. This guide discusses moisture sources and moisture migration. Limit states (or specific moisture conditions that are likely to impact construction or component durability) and design methods are also cursorily discussed. Examples of practices that enhance durability are listed and discussed, as are examples of constructions or circumstances to avoid. The examples listed are not all-inclusive. Lastly, field check lists are given. The checklists are not intended for use as is, but as guides for development of checklists which may vary with specific building designs and climates.
1.1 This guide covers building design, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
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