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The
Problems with Siding: Mold & Moisture |
A recent PATH study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Housing
confirmsthat the “Best Practice” approach to exterior
cladding installation is use of Rain Screen technology and confirms
that face-sealed nailed siding with or without housewrap can fail.
| Relative Performance of Weather
Resistant Envelope Approaches |
| Exposure Level |
Face-Sealed |
Concealed Barrier |
Drained Cavity |
Basic Rain Screen |
| High |
Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
| Moderate |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
| Low |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
Good |
| Negligible |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
The March 2006 PATH study commissioned by the U.S. Department of
Housing confirms that face-sealed nailed siding provides insufficient
protection from moisture; their Best Practices solution is the
use of rain screen technology. Rain Screen technology is quickly
becoming part of building code in many regions across the country.
These recent findings have highlighted the damage that wind- driven
rain and the moisture and mold that it brings can cause to your
home. Other recent studies have highlighted the health issues related
to mold.
The approximate ratings used in the table above to describe
relative performance are explained as follows:
Good - the Weather Resistant Envelope system is likely to meet or
exceed acceptable performance expectations and has a low risk of
failure during the likely service life with a reasonable level of
installation quality and maintenance.
Fair - the Weather Resistant Envelope system is considered adequate,
but may require careful attention to detailing, installation quality,
and maintenance. The wall has a tolerable risk of failure during
the likely service life.
Poor - the Weather Resistant Envelope system has a relatively high
risk of not meeting acceptable performance expectations.
Moisture Damage and Wind Driven Rain and Snow affect most of the
United States. Wind Driven Rain and Decay Hazard maps of the U.S.
- See below EXPOSURE LEVELS:
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