Understanding water intrusion and building envelope performance is crucial for protecting your property. Whether you own property, develop projects, or manage buildings, this guide explains what causes moisture problems, where they happen, and how the professional services from Tycon Builders Inc. can help you resolve them effectively.
What Is the Building Envelope and Why Does It Matter?
The building envelope, also known as the building enclosure, is the physical barrier between the inside and outside of a structure. It includes walls, roofs, foundations, doors, and windows. When designed correctly, it serves as a weather barrier, thermal envelope, air barrier, and vapor barrier all in one.
A well-functioning envelope improves building durability, performance, and indoor comfort. When this barrier is weakened, water penetration and moisture intrusion can become serious issues.
Where Do Water Intrusion Problems Typically Occur?
Roof Leaks
Flat roofs and pitched roofs can suffer from leaks. Whether it’s due to aging shingles, damaged membranes, or poor flashing installation, roof failures are one of the top sources of water ingress.
Wall Systems
Exterior walls, including cladding, stucco, siding, and masonry, often allow moisture intrusion through cracks, mortar deterioration, or failed waterproofing layers.
Foundation Cracks
Cracked foundations are highly vulnerable to hydrostatic pressure, especially if below-grade waterproofing is absent or defective.
Window and Door Leaks
Window leaks and door leaks are common due to sealant failure, missing or misaligned flashing, or poor installation.
Flashing and Sealants
Flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other penetrations often deteriorates over time. Caulking or expansion joints may shrink or crack, allowing water ingress.
Drainage Issues
Inadequate drainage systems, such as clogged gutters, missing downspouts, or improper grading, lead to water pooling and foundation issues.
Balconies and Parapet Walls
These architectural features are vulnerable to water penetration without proper balcony waterproofing or drainage detailing. Parapet walls often suffer from failed caps or flashing.
What Causes Water Intrusion?
Construction Defects and Design Flaws
Improper planning, missing components, or non-compliant designs compromise the building envelope and allow water to enter the structure.
Material Degradation
Weathering, UV exposure, and natural aging degrade materials like stucco, flashing, and membranes, reducing their protective properties.
Poor Workmanship
Sloppy or unskilled construction leads to incorrectly installed systems, insufficient sealants, and gaps that allow moisture to penetrate.
Weather-Related Damage
Storm damage from wind-driven rain, hail, or hurricanes can cause cracks and roof leaks. Ice damming is another seasonal cause in colder climates.
Internal Sources
Plumbing leaks within walls and ceilings contribute to hidden water damage. High indoor humidity and condensation can also compromise materials.
Structural Movement
Differential settlement and foundation movement create cracks and separations that let in water. Capillary action can draw water upward into walls and flooring.
What Happens If Water Intrusion Isn’t Addressed?
Mold and Mildew Growth
Persistent moisture leads to biological contamination. Mold and mildew cause odors, allergies, and respiratory issues.
Material Deterioration
Rotting wood, corroded steel, damaged insulation, and drywall deterioration all result from unchecked water penetration.
Structural Damage
Water can weaken framing, foundations, and supports. Over time, this reduces building durability and increases safety concerns.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Trapped moisture decreases indoor air quality (IAQ), contributing to long-term health effects and discomfort.
Increased Energy Use
When envelope performance suffers, your HVAC system works harder to maintain interior temperatures, raising energy bills.
Lower Property Value
Obvious or suspected water damage turns off buyers and reduces your resale or rental value.
How Do Professionals Investigate and Repair Water Intrusion?
Leak Detection and Moisture Mapping
Experts use infrared thermography, moisture mapping, and other tools to pinpoint leaks and trapped moisture.
Forensic Investigation
Water testing, flood tests, and detailed building envelope assessment identify root causes, not just surface symptoms.
Drying and Dehumidification
To stop active damage, drying and dehumidification are used alongside mold remediation techniques.
Repair and Restoration
Once issues are diagnosed, services include flashing replacement, sealant renewal, foundation crack repair, and complete building envelope restoration.
Preventative Maintenance
Your best long-term strategy includes annual assessments, waterproofing updates, and proactive leak detection.
Who Provides Expert Building Envelope Services?
At Tycon Builders Inc., we offer a wide range of expert solutions tailored to your structure and its conditions.
Building Envelope Consulting
Our team offers detailed guidance on air barriers, weather barriers, and proper component integration.
Water Intrusion Specialists
We specialize in resolving moisture intrusion, using science-backed methods to ensure success.
Diagnostics and QA/QC
We perform field testing based on AAMA and ASTM standards, with building envelope commissioning (BECx) for new and existing structures.
Expert Witness and Litigation Support
When legal challenges arise, our consultants provide expert opinions, construction defect investigation, and evidence-based reporting.
Roofing and Waterproofing Consulting
From sloped and flat roofs to balconies and parapet walls, we ensure your roof system stays dry and durable.
Structural Evaluations
We offer engineering assessments for buildings affected by water intrusion, including corrosion or foundational issues.
Drone and Infrared Inspections
Advanced inspection tools allow us to assess hard-to-reach areas without intrusive methods.
Who Needs These Services?
Our clients include property owners, commercial developers, homeowners associations (HOAs), contractors, insurance adjusters, and legal professionals. We also support architects and engineers during design and construction.
Whether you’re planning a project or managing an existing property, trust Tycon Builders Inc. for expert evaluation, remediation, and protection.
Conclusion
Water intrusion and building envelope problems can lead to serious long-term damage if not handled quickly and properly. At Tycon Builders Inc., we have years of experience in finding leaks, assessing building envelopes, and providing complete solutions for repair. Whether you are a property owner, manager, or developer, our team is ready to protect your investment with tried-and-true methods and expert care. Contact us today for a thorough evaluation and take the first step towards a strong, leak-free property.
FAQs
What is a building envelope?
The building envelope is the barrier between the inside and outside of a structure. It includes roofs, walls, doors, windows, and foundations.
What causes water intrusion in buildings?
Common causes include poor construction, material degradation, plumbing leaks, storm damage, and high humidity.
How can I tell if my building has water intrusion?
Look for mold, musty smells, peeling paint, water stains, and increased humidity. Professional inspections can confirm hidden damage.
