Pioneering Building Envelope Commissioning to Prevent Moisture Intrusion

Water intrusion through building envelopes, and resultant damage it causes, including mold, has become a well-publicized tragedy and substantial cost burden for building owners. So why wait for moisture intrusion problems to occur when there are techniques available to catch problems before they occur? Based on its extensive forensic experience (more than 15 years) in evaluating hundreds of buildings with moisture intrusion and mold problems, CH2M HILL has found that nearly all of these problems could have been prevented. The critical role of the building envelope in building performance is now being recognized by the industry. In fact, more and more owners are asking how to commission the building envelope. Unfortunately, little information currently exists on building envelope commissioning. Taking a proactive approach, CH2M HILL has developed a complete strategy for problem prevention, which builds on the construction industry's use of commissioning and established testing protocols. Our goal is to minimize the potential for water intrusion problems. For each project phase, CH2M HILL has established peer review strategies, specifications, and construction phase testing and inspection protocols for commissioning of new building construction. A number of methods for both qualitative and quantitative testing of building envelopes can be applied as part of commissioning activities during construction. These tests are generally based on accepted industry standards. Using case studies of buildings recently commissioned by CH2M HILL, this paper will present an overview of the techniques CH2M HILL has developed for commissioning of building envelopes to minimize water intrusion.