The Living House
Failure simulations
Step through the physical route from trigger to symptom, then see what evidence would support or weaken the pathway.
▶trigger→pathway→symptom
▶Wall Window
A cold corner crosses the dew point
A conductive junction and limited air movement create a colder interior surface where moisture can condense.
- Heat bypasses insulation at a junction.
- Furniture or curtains reduce room-air mixing.
- Surface temperature drops below nearby surfaces.
▶Wall Window
Saturated masonry freezes and spalls
Water-filled pores expand during freezing and progressively detach the surface.
- Masonry absorbs water.
- Temperature drops below freezing.
- Pore water expands.
▶Wall Window
A wall cavity air loop cools one interior strip
Air movement within or through a wall bypasses insulation and creates localized cold surfaces.
- Pressure drives air through an opening.
- Air follows a cavity or service route.
- Insulation performance is bypassed.
▶Wall Window
Insulated glazing seal failure
Moisture enters the sealed cavity between panes and creates haze that cannot be wiped from room or exterior surfaces.
- Edge seal loses integrity.
- Moisture diffuses or pumps into the cavity.
- Desiccant capacity is exceeded.
▶Wall Window
Seasonal framing movement reopens a drywall joint
Wood moisture and temperature cycles move framing enough to crack a weak finish joint without foundation failure.
- Seasonal humidity changes wood dimensions.
- Framing moves at a joint or opening.
- Finish compound has limited movement capacity.
▶Wall Window
Winter window condensation cycle
Indoor moisture meets cold glass, collects at edges and can wet seals, frames and nearby finishes.
- Outdoor temperature falls.
- Glass surface temperature drops.
- Indoor air reaches its dew point at the glass.
