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This is the first of a 4-part series focusing on the essential elements of water management. As Steve says, water is the number one killer of buildings. No sense in working on the other 3 layers--air, vapor, and thermal--without fully handling liquid water. The boys start with the roof — since this part of the building gets the most water. And no surprise that managing water gets a lot easier starting with design to move water off the building. Patterns of wetting on buildings--both new and historic--reveal the basics of water movement that leads to management. And let’s not forget that water moves up nearly as well as it moves down: capillarity.

PETE'S RESOURCES:

Joe Lstiburek's "Moisture Control for Buildings:"

"Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction, and Maintenance:"

"Water in Buildings: An Architect's Guide to Moisture and Mold:"