The news media and the design and construction industry is abuzz with "green building" and "sustainable design", while the focus should be on well designed, properly detailed, and correctly installed construction.
While it is important to address waste water reduction and incorporating natural light and proper ventilation into building spaces, neglect of basics such as proper water proofing can have serious environmental consequences. For example - no matter how energy efficient a green roof might seem to be, if the underlying waterproofing membrane fails, then tearing off the of the entire assembly and dumping it in the landfill will have a more detrimental impact on the planet than a traditional roof designed for a 20 year lifespan.
Poor design and construction methods can result in water entry into a wall or roof cavity. Due to the constant presence of moisture, mold can develop and create a health hazard, insulation can be sodden and reduce its value, and certain building elements can deteriorate or corrode. Simple "band-aid" approaches, such as sealing cracks, may lead to other problems because the building enclosure as a whole was not considered.
The best approach is an integrated one which starts with a thorough assessment of the building's condition, design, and construction. Improvements tailored to the specific characteristics of the structure can then be implemented holistically based on proper details and construction oversight.
No joke man! Some people just don't get that building right saves energy.
Posted by: Bucket Trucks | October 22, 2010 at 11:33 AM