Building Envelope Materials: Corrosion in Our Hot Humid Climate

Summary

Participants will learn the fundamentals of corrosion chemistry. Once equipped with that knowledge, Mr. Elkin will lead the class on an exploration of corrosion failures in Lowcountry buildings, including envelope specific problems and other related corrosion issues. Examples include corrosion of fasteners in treated lumber, atmospheric corrosion of aluminum fenestration framing in ocean front buildings, galvanic failures in commercial piping systems, and dezincification of residential plumbing fittings.

Topics

• Fundamentals of Corrosion Chemistry
• Construction Details & Materials Vulnerable to Corrosion in Hot, Humid Climates
• Solutions to Minimize Corrosion in Coastal Buildings

About Our Speaker

Lawrence Elkin, PE, CCT
Elkin Engineering & Diagnostics, LLC, Charleston, SC

Larry Elkin’s professional career includes more than a decade of experience in diagnostic evaluations, building repair design, construction project management, and corrosion analysis. His expertise is primarily in the physics of Thermodynamics and Fluid-dynamics as they apply to building envelope systems. He has performed evaluations of roof, wall, floor and foundation systems to identify moisture infiltration paths and determine the potential for moisture accumulation and corrosion within these systems. He has particular expertise regarding evaluations of thermal/moisture barriers & corrosion, designing repairs for failed building envelopes and managing building envelope remediation projects. More recently Mr. Elkin has focused on building assembly failures associated with inappropriate building practices and misinterpretation of building code requirements. Mr. Elkin has provided expert testimony to help resolve construction litigation.