Presented by Graham Finch, MASc, P.Eng - Principal, Senior Building Science Specialist
RDH Building Science, Victoria, BC
Interest in mass timber and its advantages has surged, yet with any
innovation comes challenges - and one particular challenge for mass timber
buildings is moisture protection during construction. Numerous projects in BC
have experienced construction wetting resulting in schedule delays, drying,
damage and decay (the 4 wrong D's!) and highlighted the significance of
addressing wetting control and drying limitations in mass timber projects.
This presentation will help you understand the risks and impacts
associated with moisture exposure of mass timber during the design and
construction phases and provide evaluation insights and recommendations for
risk reduction. You'll discover a three-step process for moisture management
that emphasizes assembly selection, exposure risk assessment, and material
determination for on-site and factory-installed protection. Several local case
studies will reinforce these strategies to help you better understand and
manage the practical moisture challenges in mass timber construction.
Graham Finch is a building science engineer who specializes in building
enclosure design, risk management, research, and investigation work for new and
existing buildings. Graham also works with building product manufacturers and
other clients on product research and development, and the creation of various
industry guidelines and training initiatives. Graham is directly involved with
the majority of RDH's mass timber and high-rise wood building projects and
instrumental in leading industry research, risk management, and façade
development for these new wood buildings. As a result of this experience, he is
regularly invited by various organizations and clients to speak to the
practical and technical issues of mass timber façade design and moisture
management for mass timber buildings.
