Manufactured Housing Walls That Provide Satisfactory Moisture Performance in All Climates.
Manufactured Housing Walls That Provide Satisfactory
Moisture Performance in All Climates.
(1471 K)
Burch, D. M.; Saunders, C. A.; TenWolde, A.
NISTIR 5558; 33 p. January 1995.
Sponsor:
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington,
DC
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB95-178885
Keywords:
housing; moisture analysis; moisture control guidelines;
mobile homes; manufactured housing; moisture in walls;
moisture problems; moisture transfer
Abstract:
We used the MOIST Computer Model to conduct a detailed
analysis of the moisture performance of one wall typical
of current construction practice in manufactured
housing, and two new alternative wall designs with
potential for better moisture performance in a wider
variety of climates. The analysis showed that the
current-practice wall with an interior vapor retarder
performed acceptably in a cold climate (Madison, WI),
but poorly in a hot and humid climate (Miami, FL). The
alternative wall designs both exhibited satisfactory
moisture performance in the cold climate and the hot and
humid climate, even with moderately severe indoor
conditions. The alternative wall designs also performed
satisfactorily in a mixed climate (Little Rock, AR).
These alternative wall designs should be of interest to
the manufactured housing industry, who distributes
houses to all climatic regions of the United States.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899