Moisture Protection

Introduction

Staying dry and out of the elements is the most basic principle that architecture must fulfill. And consequently water and temperature transmission are some of the harder things buildings and designs must deal with. Water can come from above ground through precipitation as well as through below ground, via moisture and the water table.

Moisture Protection Approach

Generally, the first floor of a building should be raised high enough so that the land can slope away from the building and create positive drainage away from the structure. Also, there should be a continuous waterproof membrane applied to the surface below the ground to prevent water penetration. Waterproof membranes must be continuous and penetrations by pipes at footings and other junctures may require waterstops.

• All important pieces of a building’s function (MEP) should be located above the water table.
• DFE (Design Flood Elevation) should be considered when designing buildings in urban environments.
• International Residential Code (IRC) Requires that grading be sloped away from the building no less than ½” per (12”) foot for at least 6’-0” from the exterior wall.
• Barrier vs Rainscreen facade approach

Moisture Prevention

The building's design should be detailed in order to prevent and resist moisture from entering the building, and in the event it does, allow the moisture to mitigate back to the outside air.