Construction Risk Managers Should Focus on Preventing Humidity Damage
Orlando, FL, December 10, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Today’s healthy construction activity is a boon for an industry that’s waited years to recover, but Florida-based Liberty Building Forensics Group® (Liberty) warns that a risk manager’s biggest nightmare could come true if steps aren’t taken to prevent moisture damage in warm, humid climates.
Construction risk management experts acknowledge water to be a leading cause of damage at construction sites.
"While the average water damage claim is $147,000, we routinely see humidity-related claims of $15M or more."
George DuBose, President of Liberty Building Forensics Group
Historically, Liberty has found humidity-based building damage to be 100 times more costly than acute water damage (pipe breaks/storms/flooding). Ironically, comprehensive water prevention strategies rarely focus on humidity issues.
“While the average water damage claim is $147,000, we routinely see humidity-related claims of $15M or more,” said George DuBose, Liberty’s President. “Humidity often damages complete systems (like ductwork) or ruins interior finishes such as drywall or ceilings, which requires large sections of buildings to be completely replaced.”
Acute water damage is usually contained and quickly remediated. Humidity-related damage tends to be widespread and takes longer to resolve, leading to significant construction delay claims.
Contractors must work closely with designers at every stage of construction to consider humidity control, so that uncontained moisture isn’t sealed into systems only to be found at a later date. It is essential that all building systems are turned on in the proper sequence.
Liberty has found that conducting a quality peer review is one of the most effective problem avoidance techniques. Analysis of building design alone is not enough; a peer review must also examine how a building will be commissioned.
A recognized leader in solving, remediating, and litigating complex moisture and mold-related building failures, Liberty has extensive expertise in investigating and resolving construction and design deficiencies. This includes over 30 years of successfully assisting the Disney Corporation in completing over 500 highly complex construction projects worldwide; as well as successfully resolving the largest moisture/mold problem in the last 20 years and recovering $60MM+ in repair costs for the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Liberty staff have authored 3 manuals that are currently serving as industry standards for avoiding and resolving mold and moisture problems, including both the NCARB training monograph used by architects worldwide and Disney’s in-house design guidelines. Liberty has assisted clients in recovering over $500 million through its proven ability to understand and apportion complex moisture-related insurance claims and then effectively communicate its findings to a judge or jury.