Survey of moisture content in houses for evidence of decay susceptibility
Scheffer, T. C. and Moses, C. S.
1993 Forest Products Journal. 43(11,12)45-52
Scheffer, T. C. and Moses, C. S., (1993), "Survey of moisture content in houses for evidence of decay susceptibility", Forest Products Journal. 43(11,12)45-52.
Abstract:
Survey of moisture content in houses for evidence of decay susceptibility
The decay hazard to components of frame houses was assessed by determining moisture contents of the wood with a resistance-type meter. The observations involved 1,000 houses in 7 different climate areas. The hazard was indicated to be generally small, especially for substructure items in crawl spaces and basements and on slabs that are not exposed to the weather. Some simple precautionary measures to protect substructure wood are worthwhile, and some are commonly included in building codes. These measures include preservative treatment of sill plates, a moisture-restricting membrane under slab foundations and on damp ground in crawl spaces, and good ground clearance and cross ventilation in crawl spaces. Construction must follow good practice, emphasizing features that minimize trapping of rain water, ground contact, and wetting by condensation. Wood free of active fungal decay should be used. Prompt remedial action to control serious wetting is of major importance.
