HouseSymptoms field intelligence
Likely causes
Failure modes and building-physics mechanisms connected to the clues that support or weaken them.
cause 60ventilation-and-airflow 8roof-envelope 7building-structure 6drain-waste-vent 5appliance-connections 4domestic-water-supply 4exterior-wall-envelope 4cooling-and-air-conditioning 3foundation-and-ground 3insulation-and-air-barrier 3site-drainage 3space-heating 3electrical-distribution 2leak 2windows-and-doors 2
cause⌁
Water entry through a foundation crack
Hydrostatic or wind-driven water follows a crack or joint through below-grade construction.
cause⌁
Capillary moisture rise
Liquid water moves through fine pores from a wet source toward a drying surface.
cause⌁
Salt transport through masonry
Moisture carries dissolved salts to an evaporation surface.
