Why Newer Buildings Face More Water Damage Risks You’d Think
Modern construction codes have made great strides in many areas like sustainability and durability. However, these new commercial buildings are still vulnerable in one area: modern building water damage. Many of us have heard stories of pipes bursting or water leaking destroying property. Even less obvious is how common these risks are in commercial buildings. This isn’t about poor construction practices, but about how new materials and efficiency standards can backfire without proper moisture control.
At ServiceMaster CDR – Cleveland, we specialize in restoring various types of facilities, like legacy structures and today’s high-performance commercial buildings from water damage.
How Modern Construction Materials Trap Moisture Instead of Releasing It
There are particular vulnerabilities that makes modern building water damage an area of concern. Older buildings typically use breathable materials like plaster, brick, and wood. Breathable materials are valuable because they don’t trap moisture. Instead, they allow water to diffuse through them.
Modern buildings, on the other hand, use composite panels, insulation, and vapor barriers — materials with low permeability. These materials trap moisture, accelerating degradation and mold growth. The following are modern construction materials can trap moisture:
Tight construction improves energy efficiency but prevents natural drying.
Synthetic insulation and vapor barriers trap condensation inside wall systems.
Gypsum board and particle-based products disintegrate faster than plaster when wet.
Vinyl wall coverings and laminate flooring block evaporation.
Hidden moisture in new materials accelerates mold growth.
These materials may contribute to water damage when exposed to moisture. However, the IICRC S500 provides official guidance on how to respond in some of the above situations. For example, the IICRC S500 references controlled drying protocols when moisture is trapped in synthetic wall systems that building owners should refer to.
Why Water Damage Spreads Faster in Today’s Commercial Buildings
Depending on the type of commercial building, water damage can quickly spread throughout the facility. Open floor plans and underfloor cabling, for instance, allows water to migrate across entire spaces. Drop ceilings also hide leaks until major pooling of water occurs.
In modern buildings, complex plumbing and HVAC systems create multiple potential leak points that can remain hidden. Moreover, lightweight construction materials absorb water quickly as well, losing structural integrity.
The EPA provides official guidance on humidity control in energy efficient buildings. According to the EPA, the three main principles on moisture control is managing liquid water, preventing excessive indoor humidity, and using moisture resistant materials strategically.
Experts at ServiceMaster CDR – Cleveland follow the EPA’s guidelines to control interior humidity in commercial locations. We use advanced infrared cameras and moisture mapping to locate hidden commercial water intrusion pathways before they cause structural or electrical damage.
How HVAC and Air Pressure Plays a Role in Modern Water Damage
HVAC systems in modern buildings are important factors when it comes to moisture control. It’s common for them to unintentionally draw in or redistribute moisture around the building. Here are a few ways HVAC systems can play a hidden role in moisture control.
HVAC systems in buildings with negative air pressure pulls humid outdoor air through small cracks and gaps in the building envelope.
Poor management of indoor condensation causes leaks around ductwork and ceiling units.
Over-sealed windows and reduced airflow traps condensation inside.
Sensors or thermostats often fail to detect microclimate differences in large facilities.
Modern buildings are made to be airtight, increasing the dependency on HVAC for moisture control. If systems fail, water damage can progress quickly.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning (ASHRC) provides official standards for balancing humidity in commercial environments. However, in lakefront cities, like Cleveland, the area faces higher moisture year-round and harsh winters which magnifies interior condensation.
When ‘Tighter’ Buildings Lead to Unexpected Water Problems
Modern buildings are designed to be energy efficient, leading to buildings requiring and leaking less energy. However, the same energy saving practices in construction inadvertently increases the risk of water damage. Even LEED-certified and Energy Star buildings are vulnerable to various water-related issues.
Energy efficient buildings have sealed envelopes use triple pane windows for better insulation. However, these building practices can backfire by trapping moisture inside and reducing air exchange.
Green roofs and rainwater systems are also common in energy efficient buildings, but they can only hold so much water. Any extra water flows to the drainage channels. Additionally, unvented attics and crawlspaces in modern buildings can accumulate unseen humidity. Furthermore, thermal bridging from metal framing can lead to condensation on cool surfaces.
At ServiceMaster CDR – Cleveland, our technicians are trained in handling water damage in a variety of buildings. We can restore energy efficient buildings with water damage without compromising performance or compliance.
The Hidden Extra Costs of Restoring Modern Buildings
As modern buildings are designed for more energy efficiency, they are also more difficult to restore. There are complexities and nuances that make the restoration process longer and costly. Restoring modern buildings after water damage come with unique challenges for several reasons.
Multi-layer flooring systems (underlayment + vapor barriers) require sectional demolition.
Adhesive-bound laminates weaken and delaminate instead of just drying.
Insulated wall cavities retain water vapor longer than solid masonry.
Fire-rated drywall and insulation complicate removal and replacement.
Modern codes require full testing and documentation before reassembly.
Business owners that own commercial buildings should refer to the IICRC’s documentation on drying verification standards and recommended moisture levels. Note that restoration processes must balance speed, compliance, and protection of sensitive data or equipment.
What Older Buildings Teach Us About Moisture Management
There’s an old saying that “sometimes the old ways are best.” It doesn’t apply to every situation, but it does apply to how older buildings managed moisture. There are many lessons to be learned from older buildings vs modern ones regarding water damage. In fact, many modern restoration methods aim to recreate the breathability and resilience that older buildings had naturally.
These traditional buildings often had crawlspaces and attics that allowed hidden areas to be inspected and naturally aired out. Their masonry and plaster walls also helped regulate humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture.
Older buildings contained simple plumbing systems, which had fewer hidden leak points. Vents and windows weren’t airtight, allowing moisture to escape instead of getting trapped. Even the solid wood framing used in older buildings can withstand swelling from moisture better than many of today’s engineered lumber in modern buildings. By combining the knowledge from traditional construction methods and modern technology, there are opportunities to create far more effective restoration strategies.
How to Protect Your Modern Commercial Property from Moisture Damage
While modern commercial buildings may be susceptible to moisture buildup, there are still many strategies available to protect these buildings from water damage. Building owners must take a proactive approach. There are prevention measures that they can use to reduce the chances of water damage and stay on top of any leaks that may be developing. Below are key steps to take to prevent modern building water damage.
Schedule annual infrared moisture scans to detect and address leaks or rising moisture early.
Inspect rooftop HVAC and condensation systems quarterly to make sure everything is operating correctly.
Inspect the commercial building envelope for any integrity issues, like insulation gaps or flashing failures.
Train the facility staff to recognize signs of water damage early.
Implement emergency water shut-off and response protocols to stop the flow of water in case of a leak or flood.
Water damage can be a nightmare for businesses. It can destroy equipment, inventory, and stop operations entirely for days, leading to major financial losses. Investing in prevention is always a more cost-effective option than dealing with devastating water incidents. However, if you are investing in prevention, the job needs to be done correctly. That’s why relying on experienced professionals is a necessity.
Newer commercial buildings are designed for efficiency — but not always for resilience. If moisture finds its way in, it will spread fast and costs even more to fix. Professionals at ServiceMaster CDR – Cleveland can stop water damage in its tracks before it becomes a major problem. We provide expert restoration and prevention solutions for modern commercial buildings. However, we can also work to prevent water-related issues from occurring in the first place. Call ServiceMaster CDR – Cleveland today for restoration experts to protect your business.
