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⌁
Missing or discontinuous wall drainage plane
Water entering behind cladding has no continuous path to drain outward.
cause⌁
Failed exterior sealant joint
A perimeter joint has split, detached or exceeded its movement capacity.
cause⌁
Freeze-thaw spalling
Water in porous material freezes, expands and breaks the surface.
cause⌁
Pest entry opening
An exterior gap permits insects, rodents or birds to enter a cavity.
