WestCon Tribune

MARCH MEETING

Modern Technology

for Monitoring Building

Envelope Integrity

Presented By: David Vokey, P.E. DETEC Systems, Ltd.

 

David Vokey is the president of DETEC Systems Ltd. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1973 and a Master of Engineering Degree in 1984.  He is a member of IEEE, APEGM and APEGBC.

Introduction

Water intrusion into buildings is a massive problem.  Even the smallest leak that channels water into building walls can cause extensive damage in both wood framed and noncombustible buildings. Structural damage to plywood sheathing and stud walls due to wood rot has been commonplace for decades.

The Ottawa-based Institute for Research in Construction estimates that across Canada it takes $16 billion a year to repair and restore building envelopes and structures1.  In British Columbia alone the “leaky condo” problem is approaching two billion dollars  in costs.

Moisture Detection and Location Technology

The major telephone companies in Canada and the USA have used electronic monitoring systems for decades to detect and locate water ingress into critical cable routes. Repairs are then carried out long before the problem deteriorates into a service outage.

This same proven technology has been adapted to monitor the integrity of building envelopes. A typical building monitoring system would include moisture detection tape with moisture probes, digitally coded sensors to identify monitored locations and a computer controlled main monitoring unit.

This technology allows a system to detect, pinpoint and report on the first signs of water penetration through a building envelope in both new and remediated buildings. Problem areas are thereby located and can be repaired long before structural damage and mold growth can occur. 

Homeowners, builders, and insurance companies can avoid high costs resulting from extensive structural damage, health problems, insurance claims and potential lawsuits.

At our March meeting you will learn about cost effective method of monitoring these repairs.

References

1.  Albert Warson, Special to The Globe and Mail, “Water, water everywhere” Tuesday, Sep. 30, 2003

2.  Norscan Instruments Ltd, “2000 Cable Management System with 2010 CCU Issue 6”, http://www.norscan.com/web/tech.shtml