|
SELECTED PRESS RELEASE:
|
|
posted on:
2/27/2012 4:07:11 PM EST
|
Foundational Hydrostatic Pressure: what it is & does to your structure
hydrostatic pressure, water damage, efflorescence, mold
 VISIT WEBSITE (learn more)
|
In a recent discussion on our facebook page, the subject of hydrostatic pressure arose. In response to that discussion, we would like to share some basic facts about hydrostatic pressure and why it is so important to identify and correct early. Specifically in this article, we want to concentrate on water and the pressure it exerts on the sub-level structure in your home or office.
Hydrostatic pressure is a term referring to the pressure exerted on something by a fluid. To illustrate this, take an empty paper cup and begin to slowly fill it with water. Using your fingers, feel around the perimeter of the cup as you fill it. Do you feel the water pressure forcing the walls of the cup outward toward your hand? That is the static pressure you are feeling. As the water fills the cup it presses against the sides of the cup and, where the cup allows, it creates the sensation of that force you are feeling. As you add more water you sense more force, or pressure. Unless you do something to move the water (like drink it) the pressure stays the same—because the water is at rest against the walls of the cup.
The same thing happens around the foundations of our buildings. As water builds up around the walls and underneath the floors of our foundations the water creates a force against those surfaces with one major difference: Unlike our cup experiment, the walls and floors of our buildings are porous, by that I mean there are pores where water can travel from the resting water outside, through the walls and floors, and into our indoor environments.
This water infiltration can have multiple effects on the structure, including but not necessarily limited to:
Increased humidity: As water travels through our floors and walls it comes to a point where it will seek equilibrium with our indoor air. At this point it will evaporate from the interior surface of our walls and floors and enter the ambient air, causing increases in the room?s humidity.
Eroding the foundation: As water running through a stream erodes rock so does the water running through our walls and floors erode our foundations, leaving behind something we call efflorescence.
Contaminating our indoor environment: As water infiltrates our foundations it can contribute to microbiological contamination; it can bring in outdoor pesticides and parasites; it can bring in industrial wastes; and/or it can interact with building components to increase chemical off-gassing (something called volatile organic compounds). It may bring in its own gas as well.
So, it is extremely important that hydrostatic pressure is identified and corrected as quickly as possible. If it is not corrected, hydrostatic pressure can cause serious infections, damage, and/or compromise remediation efforts, leaving you with costly building repairs, remediation and/or failed remediation efforts. This is why Solutions Indoor Environmental Consulting always maps moisture in surfaces and in the air—so we can specifically consult you and your contractor through any effort you may be partaking toward actually remedying a situation. For more information on this or other topics of interest, contact us at (877) 624-7185 extension 1 or consultants@solutionsiec.com. We're also online at www.solutionsiec.com .
Author: Jason Yost, CIEC, CMRS, CSDS, and CIES, is owner of SOLUTIONS IEC, and has been in the industrial hygiene, cleaning, restoration, remediation, mitigation, and IEQ industry for over nineteen years. Jason is a board member of the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). To learn more about Jason?s credentials visit the ACAC?s website at www.acac.org . To discuss a training need for your company contact Jason directly at jasony@solutionsiec.com or (877) 624-7185 extension 1.
|
|
BUSINESS OWNER COMMENTS:
|
leave comment
|
|
** You need to be a member of IBOtoolbox to comment. Click Here to create free account.
|