Minimizing Moisture Problems in Homes Located in Hot, Humid Climates

Avoiding moisture-related problems—such as material degradation and staining—is a challenge in all types of structures, particularly those located in the hot, humid Gulf Coast region of the U.S. As part of a multiphase research program to better understand the underlying causes of moisture-related problems in manufactured homes and to develop effective abatement strategies, a series of tests were conducted on two manufactured homes to profile airflows under varying conditions. Air movement is a major mechanism for moisture transport. Therefore, understanding how a home's design, construction and operation impact airflow is an important step in developing moisture control strategies.

The goal of this phase of the research was to develop sets of conditions that would result in a home having a neutral to slightly positive pressure relative to the outside. Such conditions create a barrier to air, and therefore moisture, movement from outside into the living spaces and the building cavities.