The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has backed a research project from the University of Sydney into moisture resilience as it continues to take on the issue of water ingress and mould damage.

The VBA says the study intends to “develop guidance for the design, construction and maintenance of building envelopes” to improve indoor moisture protection against water ingress and mould risk.

University of Sydney Associate Professor in Architecture Arianna Brambilla, who will lead the project, says the analysis will look at examples from “typical building envelopes constructed in Victoria” to identify preventable causes of damage.

“Water damage can be exacerbated by poor design, poor construction practices and poor maintenance practices, resulting from lack of awareness and knowledge by some practitioners,” Dr Brambilla said.

“This research aims to find ways to increase moisture resistance in the built environment so future building design can counter this common problem.”

VBA State Building Surveyor Andrew Cialini says the study will be supported by the regulator’s research grant program and help inform its decision-making on regulations to improve Victoria’s building quality.

“Condensation and mould in buildings is linked to negative impacts on human health and amenity, as well as building structural integrity,” Mr Cialini said.

“As water damage routinely tops the list of defects encountered in buildings and in complaints to the VBA, as well as other agencies, it is important that we find solutions to reduce it.”

The VBA recently backed findings from a Victoria University and Victorian Managed Insurance Agency (VMIA) study that identified a lack of industry understanding of roofing and waterproofing requirements as a leading cause behind water damage in buildings.