Coordination of Performance Standards on Moisture Control in Buildings

Changing and expanding uses of consensus standards favor their organization in the format of clusters composed of concise specific documents covering different aspects of a broad subject. A framework for a cluster format on the control of water-induced damage in building constructions has been developed, and is hereby proposed for adoption.

The framework defines distinctions among design strategies, construction requirements, material properties, and test methods to be covered by separate but interrelated documents. It permits easy identification of inadequate coverage in specific areas. It allows separation between condensation and surface water control strategies and technologies. It also provides an opportunity for redefinition of the critical applicable technical terms and effective coordination with other related documents.

Clustered consensus standards are better protected against untimely obsolescence than those written in a comprehensive format.