There are almost as many failing buildings covered in scaffolding and plastic as there are new buildings under construction. The truth is, most buyers simply are not literate when it comes to the structural integrity of a building. They don t see what lies behind the walls, and buying decisions are often based on short-term considerations such as affordability. Consumers naturally assume that what they are buying has structural integrity and will withstand the wet climate. The irony is that people who have purchased low-cost housing are the least able to afford the often huge cost of repairing problems that surface years later.
Numerous factors contribute to building failure.
In the Northwest, the leading destroyer of a building s integrity is water intrusion. The moist climate of our region makes buildings here especially susceptible to water damage. This is especially true in multi-family projects where windows, doors, vents and other areas can allow moisture to enter. Low cost multi-family housing is often wood frame construction. Although more affordable than concrete or steel, it has the least integrity when it gets wet.