SOLUTION

WJE investigated avenues for water infiltration as well as potential for condensation at the exterior walls of the museum. The services included a review of available documentation, a visual evaluation of the exterior enclosure, detailed observations at inspection openings in the interior finishes, water infiltration testing at the overhang and clerestory, and various methodologies—including smoke pens, infrared thermal cameras, and self-contained and remotely monitored sensors/data loggers—to evaluate air temperature and relative humidity, surface temperatures, and building pressurization.

The investigation revealed that both water infiltration and cold weather condensation were causing the moisture issues. Water infiltration was occurring via the precast cladding joints and the glazing perimeter joints. Condensation was occurring as a result of thermal bridging of structural steel and concrete elements, as well as exfiltration of humidified interior air at the clerestory windows and the roof overhang at discontinuities in the  interior foam insulation and/or interior finishes.

WJE provided “Priority 1,” “Priority 2,” and “Priority 3” repair recommendations to Iowa State University to systematically and incrementally address each of the issues (considering the museum operations and the historical significance of the building).