Moisture and Buildings : Durability Issues, Health Implications and Strategies to Mitigate the Risks

One in three homes, on average, suffer from excessive dampness and mould proliferation, with significant health and economic impacts. The combination of new construction methodologies, stricter airtightness requirements and the changing social and cultural context that influences the way we live inside buildings has created unprecedented challenges for the built environment. In modifying indoor and outdoor environments and the building envelopes that serve as a filter between the two, we are changing the physical parameters of the ways in which buildings behave and respond to climatic stimuli. Understanding and predicting the way in which buildings and moisture may interact should be an important step in the design process, aiming to minimise possible negative long-term consequences. Understanding and predicting the way in which buildings and moisture may interact is, today more than ever, essential yet difficult, as the experience of the past has lost its applicability. Moisture-related issues never have a simple solution, since they involve multiple factors, including design, construction, maintenance, materials, climate and occupation pattern. Thus, while the topic is attracting growing attention among researchers, designers and practitioners, the pace with which actual change is occurring is still too slow.

Moisture and Buildings provides a critical overview of current research, knowledge and policy frameworks, and presents a comprehensive analysis of the implications of moisture and the importance of accounting for it during the design process. It responds to the urgent need for a systematic organization of the existing knowledge to identify research gaps and provide directions for future developments. The ultimate goal is to increase awareness of the multifaceted implications of hygrothermal phenomena and promote integrated design processes that lead to healthier and more durable constructions.

• Presents advanced knowledge on hygrothermal processes and their interaction with buildings
• Integrates the three key areas of moisture transport and its impact on buildings, including durability, human health and comfort
• Considers the most useful computational tools for assessing moisture and building interactions
• Includes a section on the main European, American and Australian building codes
• Explains the risks of mold growth to human health, including growth models to assessment methods

Arianna Brambilla is a Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Sydney. Her research draws upon architecture, building physics, and engineering to assess and interpret construction as a holistic concept, with a strong focus on sustainability.

Alberto Sangiorgio is an Associate at Grimshaw Architects (Sydney) where he operates as façade engineer and sustainability manager. He has extensive international experience in the design, optimization, and construction of high-performing building envelopes.