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.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the thermodynamics of moist air and how to apply psychrometric principles in building design.
Identify and implement effective moisture control strategies for above- and below-grade assemblies, including walls, roofs, and foundations.
Evaluate and specify waterproofing systems, air barriers, and vapor retarders based on material properties, compatibility, and performance.

Who Should Attend:

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.

Course Details: RA00291-E091

Course Outline

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

Course Schedule

Location and Lodging

Course Location

Fluno Center

601 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Map

877-773-5866

608-441-7117

Lodging

DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

525 West Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53703

Map

Accommodations include: Enjoy complimentary business center, WiFi and Local/Airport Shuttle. Each room has a refrigerator, microwave, 42-inch HDTV, and executive desk. Parking available $15/night.

Online Reservations

800-222-8733

608-251-5511

Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

One West Dayton Street
Madison, WI 53703

Map

Room: rates start at $160

Accommodations include: Complimentary WiFi, Local/Airport Shuttle, Pool, and Fitness Center.

Fluno Center

601 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Map

Accommodations include: Your stay includes hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, business center, convenient on-site parking. Guest rooms are complete with Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, complimentary high-speed Internet, and 40-inch, flat screen, high-def TVs.

Online Reservations

877-773-5866

608-441-7117

More Madison Lodging Options

Instructors and Program Director

Instructors
Brent Anderson
Principal - BDA Associates, LLC
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
Chemist/Sales Manager
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.
Luke Pachal
Principal and Forensic Engineer at Nederveld Inc.
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.
Joe Chadwick
Consulting Architect
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
Program Director and Teaching Faculty
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.
Program Director
Mark Malkin

Total Credits:

CEU 2.1,

PDH 21,

LU/HSW 21,

Course Administration

Fee Information

Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches and course materials

Payment Options

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
Provide the registrations representative with:
- the course name, dates, and/or course number.
- the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Request Purchase Order information from registration@cerc.wisc.edu
- If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.

“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

Water Entry Prevention and Moisture Control in Buildings

Learning Outcomes:

Who Should Attend:

Stay Connected

Course Details: RA00291-E091

Course Outline

Course Schedule

Location and Lodging

Instructors and Program Director

Course Administration

Fee Information

Payment Options

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Pay by Purchase Order

Military

Event Cancellation

Cancellation Policy

Related Courses

Past Courses

Water Entry Prevention and Moisture Control in Buildings

Water Entry Prevention and Moisture Control in Buildings