8 Conclusions

The building commissioning process faces difficulties in adoption as a result of potential conflicts and uncomfortable interactions with other design pro-fessionals. These commissioning guidelines for humidified structures may, due to the specialized nature of the work, demonstrate the need to move the process of com-missioning buildings into the typical design and construction process.

Commissioning guidelines for the control of moisture migration involves quantifying, with a risk management approach, the performance thresholds that distinguish acceptable from unacceptable design. These criteria define allowable threshold values regarding mold growth, corrosion, loss of structural strength, and indoor air quality.

This report establishes guidelines for the commissioning of humidified buildings. The guidelines explain the role of a building envelope CA, from early in the design phase, through construction, to assuring proper operation after occu-pancy. This involvement includes the use of performance modeling techniques to predict the envelope performance prior to completion.

An adaptive reuse project currently in progress was presented to demonstrate how the commissioning process can also be of substantial benefit in the redevelopment and protection of historic structures.

Guidelines for the commissioning of humidified buildings is an important step toward anticipating and preventing the conditions that may lead to moisture problems, related health effects, and unnecessary building maintenance expenditures.