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
▶Foundation Crawl
Capillary moisture rises through masonry
Small pores draw ground moisture upward and toward drying surfaces, carrying dissolved salts.
- Soil remains damp at the foundation.
- Pores draw liquid water into masonry.
- Moisture migrates toward a drier surface.
▶Foundation Crawl
Negative pressure draws crawl-space odor indoors
Exhaust equipment or stack effect pulls air through floor and service penetrations from a damp crawl space.
- Indoor exhaust lowers pressure.
- Replacement air follows available leaks.
- Crawl-space air enters through penetrations.
▶Foundation Crawl
Summer air condenses in a cool crawl space
Warm humid outdoor air enters and reaches surfaces cooled by ground contact or air conditioning.
- Outdoor dew point rises.
- Humid air enters the crawl space.
- Ground and ducts keep surfaces cool.
