Water Entry Prevention and Moisture Control in Buildings

Water intrusion and moisture buildup are among the most common—and expensive—causes of building failure. This course delivers a deep dive into the physics of moisture, code requirements, and proven design and construction practices to mitigate risk. Engineers will gain the tools to diagnose, prevent, and resolve moisture issues in walls, roofs, foundations, and mechanical systems.

• Engineers involved in building design, construction, commissioning, or forensic analysis.
• Facility managers and O&M professionals responsible for maintaining building envelope integrity.
• Code officials, plan reviewers, and consultants seeking to ensure compliance and performance in moisture-sensitive environments.

Day One

Properties and Processes of Moist Air

• Temperatures and humidities
• Enthalpy, density, and pressure
• Using a psychrometric chart
  • Plotting of state points
  • Sensible and latent heat
  • Mixing of two air streams
• Design conditions and dew-point

The Basics of Building Science and the Fundamentals of Building Moisture Control

• Water control
• Airflow control
• Thermal control
• Vapor diffusion control
• Combined heat, air, and moisture transfer
• Air barriers and vapor retarders
• Moisture and building materials
• Prevention of mold growth

Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance

• Moisture control principles
• Designing for moisture control
• Constructing to prevent moisture problems
• Operating and maintaining controlled environments

Day Two

Code Issues Related to Air Infiltration

• Model building codes
  • ICC
  • NFPA
• Enthalpy and pressure
• Reference standards
  • ASTM
  • ABAA
• Product types

Architectural Wall, Window and Door Details

• Construction theories
  • Mass
  • Hybrid
  • Cavity
  • Rain screen
• Material properties
  • Compatibility pitfalls
  • Installation limitations
  • Redundancy, constructability, inspect-ability, serviceability
• Detail theories
  • Where to put the insulation
  • AVB as exterior upholstery
• Openings
  • Window and wall flashings
  • Sealing the operating features

Overview of Below-Grade Waterproofing                                                                            

• Definitions of terms used in water control:
  • Waterproofing
    • Positive side
    • Negative side
  • Damp-proofing
  • Vapor barrier / retarder
  • Air barrier
    • Vapor permeable
    • Vapor impermeable
  • Where is the waterproofing placed in construction?
    • Under-slab waterproofing
    • Foundation walls
      • Blind side waterproofing
    • Plaza systems
      • Split slab
      • Pedestal and pavers
      • Earth covered
      • Sand set pavers
    • Categories of waterproofing and where it is used:
      • Crystalline growth materials
      • Fluid applied materials and systems
        • Cold applied
        • Hot applied
      • Sheet membrane systems
        • Fully or partially bonded
        • Loose laid systems
      • Bentonite based systems
        • Sheet systems
        • Mastic systems
      • Foundation drainage
        • Where should drain tile be placed?
        • How drain tile should be installed

Day Three

Classic Waterproofing Systems            

• Crystalline growth and Portland cement-based materials
• Where are these materials used?
• Integral treatment
• Floors, walls and slabs, and tanks
• Fluid applied materials and systems
• Cold applied
• Hot applied
• Sheet membrane systems
• Fully or partially bonded
• Loose laid systems
• Bentonite based systems
• Sheet systems
• Mastic systems

Interior Methods of Water Control

• Five (5) classic methods of restoration
• Grind, rout and seal cracks and joints
• Chemical grouting
• Interior liners
• Water management
• Electro-osmosis
• Chemical grouts
• Polyurethanes
• Polyacrylates
• Acrylamides
• Microfine cements
• Rubberized asphalt

Moisture Control in Roofing Systems

• Low slope roof moisture control guidance
• Steep slope roof moisture control guidance
• Air barrier requirements
• Vapor retarder recommendations
• Attic ventilation and ice dams
• Unvented, conditioned attics

Mechanical Systems and Humidity

• References and ASHRAE standards
• Ventilation and indoor air quality
• Estimates of air infiltration rate
• Air handling units and distribution

“Absolutely Fantastic!  Great presenters, engaging, immediately usable info. for my work.”
—Nick, Lincoln, Nebraska

"Good balance of theoretical and practical information."
—Jeff, Forensic Engineer, Nederveld Inc., Dodgeville, Wisconsin

Brent Anderson

Brent D. Anderson, PE, is principal at BDA Associates, LLC, heading a company that offers numerous services in construction and repair of buildings, with an emphasis on waterproofing. His projects include Los Angeles Subway; Pink Palace Museum, Memphis, Tennessee; United Airlines Terminal, Chicago; and First Hawaii Center, Honolulu. Anderson is the author of a book on waterproofing and has written articles on the subject for Concrete Construction, Architecture Minnesota, and The Construction Specifier. He has lectured at more than 300 events nationwide for groups such as The World of Concrete and the National Association of Homebuilders.

Ryan Blad

Ryan Blad is a chemist and sales manager at 838 Coatings, a manufacturer of coatings and sealants based in the Twin Cities. He has over 18 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, with a focus on roof coatings and restoration. Ryan has worked as a chemist in formulation and product development, and for the past 12 years, he has been directly involved in the field, working with contractor applicators who use roof coatings in their businesses. He serves on the board of directors for the Roof Coating Manufacturers Association and is actively involved with industry organizations such as the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and various state-level associations across the Midwest. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the restoration of millions of square feet of roofing across the country.

Joe Chadwick

Joe Chadwick is an architect licensed in Connecticut whose current practice is involved primarily in the Northeast. He has over 35 years’ experience as a licensed Architect with ten prior years as a design-build contractor. Eighteen years were dedicated to academic facilities including contract development, procurement process management, and project management. His current professional practice involves trouble shooting during construction administration, failure remediation, building code consultation, document reviews, and the preparation of specifications. He has designed and managed academic research laboratories, historic preservation projects, and medical facilities. He received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Temple University and a Master’s in Architecture from Yale University.

Mark Malkin

Mark P. Malkin, PE, is a program director in the Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs in the College of Engineering at UW-Madison. He is a registered Professional Engineer with over 25 years of experience in university facilities project management and HVAC systems design. His course offerings include HVAC, plumbing and fire protection fundamentals, building code reviews, and design and operation of science labs, data centers, museums and libraries. Mark received his bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, and his MS in Mechanical Engineering from UW–Madison.

Luke Pachal

LUCAS PACHAL, PE, SE

Lucas Pachal is a Principal and Forensic Engineer at Nederveld Inc., licensed professional engineer in multiple states, and licensed structural engineer. His career includes heavy industrial structural design, forensic analysis relating to building pathology, storm damage, structural damage from vehicle impacts, construction vibration, water loss events, and repair designs and details. Lucas' in-depth knowledge of building design and construction as well as his experience evaluating how the environment and materials interrelate allow him to systematically identify, investigate, and diagnose defects in residential and commercial structures. He has personally conducted more than 1,300 forensic engineering investigations and provided expert witness testimony in 10 separate cases.