b'MOISTURE MANAGEMENTEXPOSED MASS TIMBER COLUMNS AND BEAMS AT THE CATALYST BUILDING IN SPOKANE, WASH. THE AUTHORS PROVIDED BUILDING ENCLOSURE AND MASS TIMBER MOISTURE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE INNOVATIVE PREFABRICATED MASS TIMBER FAADE PANELS AND ENCLOSURE OF THE BUILDING. ARCHITECT: MGA. PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER.KEEPING MASS TIMBERLOOKING GOODConstruction risks and key lessonsin moisture managementBy Graham Finch, Savannah Gillette and Michael Wilkinson, RDH Building ScienceM ass timber buildings offerIndustry experience has shown that massup as structural damage to the wood or two key benefits: theytimber structures dry significantly slowerconnections, leading to costly repairs. produce significantlythan light wood framing, and that wettedSanding and refinishing efforts can only lower carbon emissions,mass timber elements cannot always dry and the exposed woodout with sufficient speed to avoid fungalgo so far if moisture staining and damage has substantial aestheticgrowth and damage. This is a particularare extensive, or where the wood is irre-appeal. However, the execution of a masschallenge where water is inadvertentlyversibly checked by uncontrolled drying. timber project can be costly and time- trapped within the layers of roof or floorTherefore, it is crucialfor both the consuming if moisture is not carefullyassemblies during construction, and if thislong-term durability and aesthetic appeal managed during construction.wetting is not addressed, it can later showof the buildingto keep mass timber dry 14 BCBEC ELEMENTSA BCBEC PUBLICATION'