Building Science

Building science is the study of how a building and its systems function and includes the analysis of how water, vapor, and air move through the structure and interact with its components. The practice of building science relies on extensive knowledge of physics, chemistry, life sciences, engineering, architecture and material properties to understand the behavior of building systems and their impacts on the intended functions of the building including energy efficiency, indoor air quality and other considerations.

YA Group engineers and architects use our understanding of building science when diagnosing the cause and resulting effects of conditions such as condensation, water intrusion, material failures, and other building issues. We also use building science when designing repairs, performing peer reviews, providing commissioning, and performing design defect analyses. When designing repairs, we rely heavily on our understanding of building science to ensure our designs prevent future negative conditions. By incorporating building science into our analyses and investigations, we’re able to draw conclusions that are scientifically backed and stand up to legal scrutiny.

YA Group building science consultants were requested to evaluate and provide recommendations to prevent sprinkler pipe freezing at a residential community. The community had been experiencing sprinkler pipes freezing and bursting causing extensive damage and multiple insurance claims. The owners interviewed several other firms before contacting and engaging YA Group. Our in-house team of architects, mechanical engineers, and building consultants worked together to evaluate the building’s environmental parameters and performed WUFI computer modeling analysis to simulate a variety of possible options for repair. Through our on-site data gathering, detailed analysis, and numerous computer simulations, we were able to provide several repair options to the client who ultimately selected and implemented one of our recommendations, which to date have prevented all sprinkler line freezing losses.