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| Hey! Does it feel damp in here to you? |
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All Buildings Leak!
So how do you fix "the problem"? First, we must accept (or embrace) the reality that all buildings leak! I’ll pause for a moment so you can regain your composure. Yes, all buildings leak. But this does not mean that all buildings fail.
How we manage the moisture that "leaks" into our building determines the success or failure of our buildings. Make no mistake, we must make every effort to keep moisture from entering our building; i.e., properly seal roofs, windows properly flashed, proper drainage around the perimeter of our building, etc. But inevitably, moisture will enter - either in liquid or vapor form.
Moisture Management
The initial design of the building envelope, our first line of defense, is critical to a successful building. An envelope that does not manage water well will fail and, in turn, the entire building fails. For example, improperly placed vapor barriers or unintended vapor barriers (or for that matter here in the south, any vapor barrier) can result in failure. Water gets in but cannot get out.
What happens after it gets in is critical. You have to remove it! A dedicated dehumidification system is a must. It's only purpose is to remove moisture. Once the building is "dry" the dehumidification system keeps it that way. Remember, mold needs food and water - moisture - to grow. We can’t take away its food, but we can deprive it of water!
So what is "the problem"? Moisture.
The solution? Moisture management - that's where we can help!
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