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 Building Science Consulting is a building science consulting firm
with offices in Boston, Massachusetts and Waterloo, Ontario and clients
throughout North America. Building Science Consulting specializes
in building technology consulting. Our focus is preventing and resolving
problems related to building design, construction and operation. We are
internationally recognized for our expertise in moisture dynamics,
indoor air quality, and forensic (building failure) investigations. We
are also on the leading edge of the design of sustainable communities
and buildings. We believe in promoting energy efficiency and
environmental responsibility within the constraints of marketable and
affordable building technology.
Building Science Consulting's expertise lies in understanding the
complexity of today's building technology. We take our name from the
field of "building science." Also known as "building physics" or
"building dynamics," it is the study of the interaction between the
various materials, products and systems used in building construction,
the occupants of these buildings, and the environments in which they are
located. Building Science Consulting applies building science
principles to new design and to solving client problems.
During the past twenty-five years, there have been revolutionary
developments in materials, products and systems, and the technology of
construction has become exceedingly complex. As a result, an abundance
of specialists have focused only on their own disciplines. However, all
of these disciplines including structural engineering, mechanical
engineering, architecture, fire protection, acoustics, and interior
design are interrelated and have an effect on the long term durability
and performance of a building. These relationships must be understood to
avoid costly mistakes.
 The
interrelationships between mechanical systems and building enclosures
and their impact on indoor air quality and durability are significant.
The design and construction of the building enclosure (the walls, roof,
and foundation) significantly affect the design of the heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. At the same time, the
operation of the HVAC system affects rain penetration, condensation
within building cavities, and the durability of the building enclosure.
Similarly, the interior design and building enclosure design and
construction affect the indoor air quality within a building.
Building Science Consulting originally developed its business and
established its reputation investigating problems related to the
durability and performance of buildings. Growing from our forensic
capabilities, Building Science Consulting also designs and
reviews new projects. We use our unique understanding of architecture
and building performance problems and to design resource efficient,
healthy, durable buildings.
The vast majority of in-service failures of building enclosures are
caused by the penetration of air or water. Accordingly, we have gained
considerable expertise in the application of rain screen principles,
drainage planes and in the application of air flow retarder and vapor
diffusion retarder systems. We have developed industry-recognized
protocols to determine building and interstitial air pressure
relationships and specialized techniques for the pressurization and
depressurization of building enclosures.
From our understanding of air and moisture flow within buildings, indoor
air quality investigations and assessments are a regular component of
our services. As a result of our experience in moisture migration, we
have specific expertise in conducting microbial, mold, and moisture
investigations in commercial and institutional facilities located in
southern and humid climates.
Building Science Consulting also delivers seminars/workshops and
customized training to the building design and construction industry,
and conducts product research/development.
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