RIBA Yorkshire will be hosting a webinar on Thursday 19th September 2024 (1:00pm - 2:00pm)

Webinar info:

We are delighted to extend a special invitation to you from the Small & Emerging Practice representative, Paul Wainwright, for an insightful and engaging online session that brings together the worlds of architecture and engineering. In collaboration with Shingi Tarirah, a chartered structural engineer and Associate Lecturer at the Central St Martins College of Art in London, this event promises to be both informative and enriching.

What You'll Learn

Following on from our fire and timber talk in June, we are going to discuss another significant issue associated with mass timber buildings – moisture. Alongside fire, moisture management is a critical consideration for long-lasting structural timber systems. This session will discuss the major moisture sources in timber buildings both under construction and in service and the associated quality issues timber might face during its design service life.

The construction industry does not establish roles and responsibility for durability which results in moisture management being neglected during the process of commissioning a new building and the accountability always handled by the disclaimer of “by others”.

Timber buildings are capable of meeting service-life objectives with many examples of good durable structures, however, as with any material there are potential threats to longevity to be considered. Incorrect moisture management can lead to large movement leading to damaged mechanical connections, fungal growth, and the possibility of structural damage as well as aesthetic damage such as staining of finished surfaces, requiring sanding and refinishing. Durability is also a key component of sustainability which reduces waste and must be considered before making a large investment in a building.

There is a need for a more systematic approach to engage professionals such as engineers, architects and contractors to review durability as a main consideration throughout the building process. A good building moisture management strategy provides appropriate attention to design and installation which is required to ensure long lasting buildings.

Many good solutions exist on how to minimise the risk of moisture induced defects; however, the cost-benefit of these strategies is often interrogated and becomes a risk management choice. Using a set of key considerations, the relevant parties can adopt a strategy at the appropriate stage in the process to avoid defects in the design, construction and service caused by excessive moisture.