The Living House
Material Reaction Lab
Compare how building materials record water, heat, airflow, movement and drainage failures—and what their surface cannot prove.
layer by layer
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Foundation Wall · DrainageFoundation coating under water pressure
A surface coating cannot reliably resist persistent water pressure from saturated soil.
Visible fingerprintblisters, seepage at cracks and recurring dampness
Open reaction →▧
Mortar · DrainageMortar joints under concentrated runoff
Repeated water flow erodes weak joints and opens pathways behind masonry.
Visible fingerprintrecessed joints, sand loss and localized dampness
Open reaction →▧
Roof Membrane · DrainageRoof membrane under ponding water
Persistent water loads seams, penetrations and weak drainage details for longer periods.
Visible fingerprintdirt rings, algae, seam stress and delayed leakage
Open reaction →▧
Wood Siding · DrainageWood siding with trapped backside moisture
Missing drainage or tight coatings slow drying and concentrate decay at edges and end grain.
Visible fingerprintpaint failure, soft lower edges and joint staining
Open reaction →