Overview
ISO 22185-1:2021 - Diagnosing moisture damage in buildings and implementing countermeasures (Part 1) defines core principles, nomenclature and moisture transport mechanisms for diagnosing moisture-related damage in buildings. The standard establishes clear definitions of moisture damage, identifies moisture sources, and describes the physical mechanisms of moisture transport (gaseous, liquid, solid). It also provides a classification method that links affected materials, observable phenomena, and functionalities to support consistent diagnosis and communication. Note: this part focuses on principles and classification and does not address warranties.
Key topics and technical content
- Terms and definitions for consistent use of moisture-related vocabulary.
- Moisture transport mechanisms (how water in gaseous, liquid or solid form moves through building assemblies).
- Moisture sources (internal and external origins of water entering buildings).
- Detailed list of phenomena resulting from moisture, with examples such as:
- Condensation, mould, algae/bryophyte growth
- Corrosion, rust, dissolution, and chemical damage
- Wood decay, freezing/frost heave, swelling/expansion, shrinkage, delamination
- Unplanned bulk water entry and water-leakage
- Performance aspects affected by moisture, including airtightness, thermal insulation, waterproofing, durability, electrical insulation and occupant comfort.
- Building components and materials susceptible to moisture (envelope, insulation, waterproofing membranes, wiring, finishes, structures).
- Classification framework linking constituent materials, phenomena and affected functionalities to standardize diagnosis and reporting.
Practical applications and users
ISO 22185-1 is intended for professionals involved in building design, assessment and remediation who need a consistent framework for diagnosing moisture problems and planning countermeasures. Typical users include:
- Building designers and architects - to evaluate moisture risk during design
- Building physicists and hygrothermal analysts - to model transport mechanisms
- Structural and building envelope engineers - to assess durability and safety impacts
- Building inspectors, surveyors and consultants - to classify and report moisture damage
- Remediation contractors and facility managers - to identify causes and prioritize countermeasures
- Property owners, insurers and asset managers - to understand performance impacts and risks
Related standards
This Part 1 provides the foundational terminology and mechanisms needed before applying prescriptive or testing documents. For comprehensive practice, use ISO 22185-1 in conjunction with other ISO guidance and country-specific standards on hygrothermal performance, testing, and building durability.
Keywords: ISO 22185-1, moisture damage, moisture transport, building moisture, condensation, mould, water leakage, building envelope, moisture classification.