About BSC and Services

Building Science Corporation is a building science consulting firm with offices in Boston, Massachusetts and Waterloo, Ontario and clients throughout North America. Building Science Corporation specializes in building technology consulting. Our focus is preventing and resolving problems related to building design, construction and operation. We are internationally recognized for our expertise in moisture dynamics, indoor air quality, and forensic (building failure) investigations. We are also on the leading edge of the design of sustainable communities and buildings. We believe in promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility within the constraints of marketable and affordable building technology.

Building Science Corporation's expertise lies in understanding the complexity of today's building technology. We take our name from the field of "building science." Also known as "building physics" or "building dynamics," it is the study of the interaction between the various materials, products and systems used in building construction, the occupants of these buildings, and the environments in which they are located. Building Science Corporation applies building science principles to new design and to solving client problems.

During the past twenty-five years, there have been revolutionary developments in materials, products and systems, and the technology of construction has become exceedingly complex. As a result, an abundance of specialists have focused only on their own disciplines. However, all of these disciplines including structural engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, fire protection, acoustics, and interior design are interrelated and have an effect on the long term durability and performance of a building. These relationships must be understood to avoid costly mistakes.

The interrelationships between mechanical systems and building enclosures and their impact on indoor air quality and durability are significant. The design and construction of the building enclosure (the walls, roof, and foundation) significantly affect the design of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. At the same time, the operation of the HVAC system affects rain penetration, condensation within building cavities, and the durability of the building enclosure. Similarly, the interior design and building enclosure design and construction affect the indoor air quality within a building.
Building Science Corporation originally developed its business and established its reputation investigating problems related to the durability and performance of buildings. Growing from our forensic capabilities, Building Science Corporation also designs and reviews new projects. We use our unique understanding of architecture and building performance problems and to design resource efficient, healthy, durable buildings.

The vast majority of in-service failures of building enclosures are caused by the penetration of air or water. Accordingly, we have gained considerable expertise in the application of rain screen principles, drainage planes and in the application of air flow retarder and vapor diffusion retarder systems. We have developed industry-recognized protocols to determine building and interstitial air pressure relationships and specialized techniques for the pressurization and depressurization of building enclosures.

From our understanding of air and moisture flow within buildings, indoor air quality investigations and assessments are a regular component of our services. As a result of our experience in moisture migration, we have specific expertise in conducting microbial, mold, and moisture investigations in commercial and institutional facilities located in southern and humid climates.

Building Science Corporation also delivers seminars/workshops and customized training to the building design and construction industry, and conducts product research/development.