ASTM E3026-15 - Standard Guide for Readily Observable Moisture Affected Materials and Conditions Conducive to Elevated Moisture in Commercial Buildings: Visual Moisture Assessment Process

1.1 Purpose—The purpose of this guide2 is to define good commercial practice for conducting a baseline survey for readily observable moisture affected materials and conditions conducive to elevated moisture in a commercial building related to a commercial real estate transaction or commercial real estate asset management by conducting: a walk-through survey, document reviews, and interviews as outlined within this guide. This guide is intended to provide a practical means for the visual identification of moisture affected materials and physical deficiencies conducive to elevated moisture as a result of water infiltration through the building envelope or substructure, or generated within the subject building as a result of processes or mechanical systems, excluding de minimis conditions. This guide is to allow a user to assess general moisture concerns, as well as the potential need for further assessment or other actions that may be appropriate that are beyond the scope of this guide. For purposes of this guide, the initialism “VMA” or “Visual Moisture Assessment” is used interchangeably with this guide’s full title.

1.2 Purpose Limitations—While a VMA may be used to survey for readily identifiable moisture affected materials and physical deficiencies conducive to elevated moisture, the VMA is not designed to serve as comprehensive survey for the presence of moisture affected materials and physical deficiencies conducive to elevated moisture in all or most areas in a commercial building. It is not intended to reduce or eliminate the risks that elevated moisture may pose to the subject building or its occupants.

1.3 Considerations Beyond This Scope—The use of this guide is strictly limited to the scope set forth in this section. Section 12 of this guide identifies, for informational purposes, certain physical conditions (not an all-inclusive list) that may exist at a property and certain activities or procedures (not an all-inclusive list) that are beyond the scope of this guide but may warrant consideration by users. The need to investigate any such conditions in the provider’s scope of services should be evaluated based upon, among other factors, the nature of the property and the reason for conducting the VMA. The scope of such further investigation or testing services should be agreed upon between the user and the provider as additional services, which are beyond the scope of this guide, prior to initiation of the VMA process. The responsibility to initiate work beyond the scope of this guide lies with the user.

1.4 Organization of the Guide—This guide has 13 sections and three appendices. Section 1 defines the Scope. Section 2 is Referenced Documents. Section 3 is Terminology. Section 4 defines the Significance and Use of this guide. Section 5 describes User Responsibilities. Sections 6 through 11 provide guidelines for the main body of the report, including the scope of the walk-through survey and preparation of the report. Section 12 and Appendix X1 identify Out of Scope Considerations. Section 13 lists keywords for Internet reference. Appendix X1 provides the user with additional VMA scope considerations, whereby a user may increase this guide’s baseline scope of due diligence to be exercised by the provider, Appendix X2 provides the user with a suggested Interview Checklist, and Appendix X3 provides the user with a suggested Field Checklist.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.