System, components, and methods for detecting moisture

摘要

To address this and/or other needs, the present inventor devised, among other things, a passive moisture detection probe that can be installed and left in place to continuously indicate whether the moisture-content in the wall-cavity of a building is below or above a desirable level. One exemplary moisture detection assembly includes a moisture-absorbent sensor element and an indicator. The sensor element, which can be placed in contact with the inner surface of a home's exterior sheathing, expands and contracts in response to the moisture content of the sheathing. The indicator, for example a rod, moves in responsive to the expansion and contraction of the sensor element, with its relative position corresponding to the moisture in the exterior sheathing and thus providing an on-going and observable sign of moisture intrusion.

主权项

1. A method of detecting a moisture condition in a building wall having wall cavity defined by an exterior sheathing portion and an interior drywall portion opposite the exterior sheathing portion, the method comprising:
placing a water-absorbent material in contact with an interior surface of the exterior sheathing portion so that the material can absorb water that may infiltrate the exterior sheathing portion; and indicating detection of the moisture condition in response to the water-absorbent material expanding and pushing a portion of an indicator outside the wall cavity from a first position to a second position.