Experience Files

When restoring a property, especially an older one, contractors must work with intention, speed, and competency. Yet, in our rush to complete a job, we can cause unexpected harm to the building itself, specifically to its building envelope. The building envelope is the physical separator between the interior and exterior of a building, including the walls, roof, and foundation. It controls the movement of air, heat, and moisture.

For example, when removing water-damaged insulation from a wall, a technician might pull it from the bottom after making a 2' flood cut. This action can leave an uninsulated gap at the top of the wall. This new gap often goes unnoticed until months later when dark spots or even mold appear. These issues arise because warm, humid indoor air comes into contact with the cool, uninsulated surface, causing condensation that can lead to mold growth and poor indoor air quality.

Another common issue occurs when modern building codes and materials are applied to older homes. Building departments might require contractors to add insulation to exterior walls where none existed before. An insurance company might require the use of new drywall to replace old lath and plaster. While these changes seem good in theory, they can create serious indoor air quality problems in older homes.

Understanding Older Homes and Building Science

Older homes were built without the energy-efficiency standards of today. They were not designed with modern house wrap or vapor barriers to control the movement of air and moisture. Instead, they were often built to be somewhat loose and drafty, which allowed them to naturally "breathe." This design helped prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the walls, which is a major cause of mold and rot.

When we apply modern building codes to these older structures, we risk trapping moisture and disrupting this natural airflow. This can lead to a host of new problems, including mold, mildew, and structural damage that can appear long after the project is complete and a certificate of completion has been signed.

The Importance of Being a Knowledgeable Contractor

Restoration contractors have a responsibility to their customers to understand building science as it applies to their work. We must consider that our actions can have negative consequences, even when we are following what seem like the correct steps. It's up to us to protect our customers from the uninformed, including those who may not want our guidance because it goes against what they've read or what they think the job should cost.

Our role is not just to fix the immediate problem but to ensure the long-term health and safety of the building and its occupants. By proactively applying building science principles and educating our customers, we can avoid unintended harm and deliver truly effective restoration services.