Mass timber buildings have captured the imagination of architects and engineers seeking more environmentally friendly building materials. The mass timber movement has tremendous potential to markedly increase timber use in mid-rise to high rise buildings. With great promise, however, comes great risk. Most mass timber structures that have been built or are being planned use no protective treatments, instead depending on design elements or membranes to limit moisture entry. There is emerging European evidence that decay is occurring in some structures. There is a critical need to develop data on the incidence of water intrusion in these structures and to identify cost-effective methods for protection. This need is beyond the scope of any single research lab. This paper outlines a collaborative research project to develop data on moisture intrusion into mass timber. It is presented as a discussion document in the hope that it fosters a larger program on this important subject.

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