Masonry Magazine July 2011 Page. 23
Term Moisture Management Solution
Placing a bead of caulk over the void in the corner where the floor meets the wall is, in fact, a very poor caulk detail; it is a three-sided adhesion issue that has been historically proven to have a short life.
A final issue with this detail is what happens if the interior surface of the basement wall gets wet from condensation or a leak? Where will the water go when it runs down the face of the wall and meets the floor? This is an example of the design conflict we mentioned earlier: sealing and waterproofing versus venting and drainage.
Building professionals and building code tend to lean towards waterproofing and sealing alone. However, venting and drainage play a critical role in a total solution, and they should not be omitted if a long term, low (or no) maintenance outcome is desired. If the drainage material and the moisture management system are of the right design, drainage, venting and temperature can be successfully addressed with one system. The bonus is that little or no maintenance will be required. (See Image #6.)
Separate above-grade and below-grade construction details. There is one last aspect of below-grade moisture management that should be considered in a holistic building design but rarely is. The interior living space above below grade construction needs very special heating an air conditioning considerations. The normal whole-house air circulation concept is not conducive for below-grade air management. Below-grade construction and above-grade construction (specifically the interior living space) are very different. Most below-grade construction (basements) needs to be dehumidified and warmed. The concept of heating and dehumidifying the basement is hard for most building owners to understand. Above-grade construction and below-grade construction need to be addressed by construction details that separate them.
Build for the Future
THOSE ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS of our 21st Century moisture management plan. Most of us know change is needed. Too many of us have witnessed too many below-grade construction failures due to moisture issues. The great Spanish philosopher, George Santayana wrote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." How long will we accept and repeat below-grade construction practices that lead to failures.
There is too much evidence that traditional moisture management practices are not working with 21st Century materials and the desired outcomes of sustainability and green building. It is time to embrace new ideas and employ better moisture management practices. IMAS
John Koester is CEO of Masonry Technology Inc.
Copyright 2011 Masonry Technology Inc.
www.masonrymagazine.com
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MASONRY 21