Water in Buildings: An Architect's Guide to Moisture and Mold

As an agricultural ecologist, I love water. The problem is, the processes which control water movement in soil, also control water movement in buildings. And unlike soils, we would like to keep our buildings dry. This book combines theoretical and practical understanding to a complete work on water in buildings and how to control it. Great whole systems approach.

This book goes into the nature of water on a molecular level. It explains why water behaves the way it does so you can understand how best to protect a building from water intrusion. Most importantly, it gives the history of the attic ventilation code which is utterly stupid and not based on science at all. What a shame that we are forced to follow a code which does nothing to protect our homes from water and in fact robs us of the heat we use in our homes. If you care about building science, climate change or protecting buildings from water, this book is a must-read. Expensive but worth every penny. Jason Taylor Energy Efficiency Contractor

I have not finished this book yet, but for someone writing for architects, he has a great sense of humor, and lovely delivery. Very pleasant read for such an academic subject.

very informative with lots of good insight

Building my next home...read this book, was very educated when I met with my builder. Builder can't BS me now.

This explains in a technical manner how moisture impacts structures and debunks many of the myths circulating in the industry.

Engineer speak.... love it... learned alot!!

William Rose has written the perfect guide for architects, builders and forensic professionals seeking a practical understanding of the dynamics and potential pitfalls of moisture movement into and through the building envelope (the roof, exterior walls and the foundation). Every building designer striving to avoid future water damage and fungal growth should own this book. Every investigator of failed buildings can learn from Mr. Rose's forensic knowledge and experience. Yes, six stars! Lonnie Haughton, Principal Construction Consultant RICHARD AVELAR & ASSOCIATES

This is certainly one of the best books on the control of moisture in buildings. Clearly written, it makes a very complicated subject accessible to those willing to learn about building science. All those involved in the design and construction of buildings should read this book.

This is a very technical book, interesting content - mostly based on US regulations, using annoyingly imperial numbers and US terminology. It takes some getting used to. Sadly he seems to be a believer in rising damp - which put me off - but general principles are there: "A cold wall is a damp wall, a warm wall is a dry wall" ... I wish ! We don't necessarily see that in the UK. Most of the construction he works with is timber cladding systems, which we don't see in the UK - but you sift through the little gems of information and improve your knowledge. Personally I think the UK book - The Warm Dry Home - from Heritage House, gives better and more generally suitable information for the UK environment, but I'll still be keeping this book in my library for reference. Diagrams and photos are a bit poor - a lot of grainy black and white pics for eg. Would have been better if diagrams and photos were in colour. Many diagrams are a bit hard to figure out - I think its just the way he thinks his way through presenting the information - not always easy to follow if I'm honest!