The NAHB Research Center is seeking builders to participate in a project to monitor the moisture in new high-performing homes.

Moisture management has become a bigger issue in recent years as houses have gotten tighter and more energy-efficient, either by choice or through more stringent code requirements.

More air sealing and insulation in the exterior walls of homes can lead to problems in wall cavities that are less able to dry out after becoming wet. Also, moisture within highly-efficient homes can be affected by lower air infiltration rates and decreased operation of the heating and cooling equipment.

These factors can have significant effects on wall cavity moisture levels, condensing surface temperatures and the moisture content of wood members.

To assess the possible effects of energy efficiency on indoor moisture, particularly in the wall systems of homes, NAHB has engaged the Research Center to conduct monitoring and collect performance data in higher energy efficiency homes across the country.

The Research Center is seeking 20 or more new energy-efficient homes, representing the various U.S. climate zones, to participate in this field monitoring study of wall moisture performance.

Qualifying homes should be occupied in order to capture the effects of their occupants’ day-to-day habits.

The names of builders will not be disclosed in the reporting and all sites will be reported only by their general geographical location. Builders who qualify for this research program can provide more than one home for the study.

Sensors will be installed in the selected energy-efficient homes to measure the relative humidity, temperature and moisture content of wood frame materials. The homes will be monitored for a minimum of 15 months.

Manufacturers of energy-efficient products and systems are also invited to participate in this study by sponsoring test sites with homes built using their technologies. Sponsors can choose whether or not they want to make their participation public.

More details on participating, including qualification requirements, are available at www.nahbrc.com/moisturemonitoring.

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'Build Green and Save’ Available at BuilderBooks.com

“Build Green and Save: Protecting the Earth and Your Bottom Line,” available through BuilderBooks.com, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read reference that shows builders how to identify and select green building materials; implement green construction techniques; explain the benefits of green housing and offer affordable green building solutions to consumers; and use resources wisely and reduce water and energy consumption.

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