Diagnosis and Impact of Water Intrusion Problems

Water is a major culprit in the damage of buildings and other structures. For example, it can cause shrinking or swelling of building components and contribute to mold growth. Investigations of the source of water intrusion can vary significantly in complexity depending on specific case issues and the need to understand cause and timing of its occurrence. The presentation will cover three areas associated with diagnosing water intrusion problems. First, we will briefly discuss the types of damage water can cause and how it causes these damages. Second, we will provide a primer on the fundamentals of building technology associated with mold and water intrusion: mold growth, moisture sources, building systems, and climate zones. The final portion of the presentation outlines various methods for measuring the amount of water and presents a typical investigative protocol for evaluating water intrusion problems.