Most major building failures don’ t begin with structural issues or catastrophic events— they start with something small. A failed sealant joint, a poorly flashed threshold, or a compromised railing penetration may seem insignificant on their own. But over time, these minor deficiencies allow water to enter the building envelope, often going unnoticed until the damage becomes extensive and expensive. For boards and managers, understanding how these seemingly small components contribute to larger system failures is critical to protecting both property values and long-term capital budgets.
By Stephen Rauch, EIT Snell Engineering Consultants Email: Srauch @ snelleng. com Phone: 941 / 954-0681 x 120
Failures: Why details matter
Most of these failures are not the result of a single defect, but rather the accumulation of small, often overlooked deficiencies at critical transition points. The building envelope— comprised of walls, decks, railings, windows, and waterproofing systems— relies heavily on proper detailing to keep water out. When those details fail, even in isolated areas, they create pathways for moisture intrusion that can compromise adjacent structural elements and assemblies.
16 community • June 2026 WWW. CAIWESTFlORIDA. ORg