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WHAT: Moisture Mechanics & Management in Residential Construction Workshop (see syllabus below) WHO: Robert Riversong (see bio below) WHEN: Sunday, May 10, 1–5 p.m. WHERE: Offices of BuildingGreen, 122 Birge Street, Suite 30, Brattleboro, VT HOW MUCH: Suggested $10 donation to cover instructor's travel; no one turned away Please email "Tristan Roberts" [log in to unmask] to sign up. Moisture Mechanics & Management in Residential Construction No modern building can function properly if the design program and construction detailing fails to account for the thermal and moisture dynamics of the building envelope and its relation to the internal and external environment. We will explore the often misunderstood issues around indoor and outdoor moisture, moisture migration through the building envelope, moisture storage (or buffering) capacity of materials, effects of relative humidity both inside the building and within the thermal envelope, and moisture control methods that minimize mold, rot, corrosion and warpage while optimizing durability of the structure and human health & comfort. The following topics will be covered: Moisture Basics absolute humidity relative humidity vapor pressure dew point sorption/desorption diffusivity moisture storage moisture content mold, rot, corrosion Moisture Sources environmental structural anthropogenic other Moisture Infusion Mechanisms momentum gravity surface tension capillary action ab/adsorption pressure differential vapor differential temperature differential gravity movement water vapor diffusion convective transport condensation & freezing Moisture Elimination Mechanisms gravity drainage desorption diffusion evaporation Moisture Control Techniques exposure reduction deflection shedding water resistance moisture tolerance drying potential air sealing diffusion retarders thermal control pressure control humidity control ventilation (dilution) Rain Control Techniques sealed face redundant barrier drainscreen rainscreen Moisture Control Strategies hermetic house breathable envelope Presenter Bio: From geodesic domes in the 1970s and a community land trust homestead program in rural Maine in 1981, Robert Riversong has worked as a project manager, trainer, and consultant for non-profit building projects from inner-city Boston to the hollows of Tennessee. He has focused on passive solar super-insulated buildings, with one of his design/build projects receiving a Citation for Excellence in a NESEA national energy/resource-efficient design competition. Robert got his early training from engineer Charlie Wing at Cornerstones Energy-Efficient Building School in Brunswick ME and is a self-educated engineer.