Moisture Control, Mold, and the Science within the Building Envelope
Introductory Level Course
1.0 IH CM Point, 0.8 CEU, 0.8 COC
Prerequisites: A general knowledge of construction methods, building science, and architectural elements.
Objectives: Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
- Assess a building envelope and list its functional components, assemblies, and systems
- Identify weaknesses in suspect envelope assemblies
- Differentiate moisture sources and prepare corrective actions
- Recognize controllable sources of moisture and design control strategies
- Realize building material strength and weaknesses and choose appropriately
- Comment on building designs to minimize moisture risks in new construction
Outline:
- What is a building: Dynamic forces on a building envelope
- Foundation-wall-roof elements
- Uncontrollable sources of moisture
- Moisture penetration: Foundation-wall-roof elements
- Controllable sources of moisture
- Building mechanical systems
- Induced moisture loads: Landscaping, drainage, architectural elements
- Occupant moisture loads
- Summary of the building envelope and moisture effects
- Final questions and discussion
Description: A thorough discussion of the elements that make up the building envelope, the science behind the envelope, and the forces acting on the envelope will be provided. This discussion is applicable to those assessing buildings for molds, IAQ, and general sick-building investigations. A building envelope is described in its three basic elements, each constructed differently to shed moisture. Moisture forces acting on the envelope will be discussed, including: controlled, induced, occupant loading, and others.
Building materials, building methods, and engineering systems will be discussed as applicable to moisture control. Many photographs and drawings of buildings, building systems, and architectural elements, contributing to or resisting moisture, support this presentation. Computer modeling of moisture movement in building materials and wall assemblies will be introduced. Those attending will gain a more thorough understanding of the science within the building envelope.
Instructor: Michael Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP
Time to Complete: This course will take approximately 8 hours to complete. You will have up to 12 months from your purchase date to complete the course
Order this course