PATH Awards Contract on Moisture

PATH - A Public Private Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology

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September 27, 2004

Some of the most widespread and destructive problems in housing today, ranging from premature product failures to growth of mold and mildew, result from moisture intrusion or improper water vapor management. Leaks and moisture in the air can enter a home from many sources and move through a home by many pathways, presenting a matrix of issues that can be confusing to builders. Recognizing the need to provide guidance on this issue, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development -- through the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) -- has awarded a contract to Newport Partners to develop a guidebook of regional best practices for moisture control, targeted to homebuilders.

"Moisture problems in homes have been widely documented, most recently because of heightened concern about exposure to mold. What is missing is a clear guidance document that can help builders understand how best to avoid these problems," HUD Project Manager Mike Blanford said. "We recently completed a project which identifies a research agenda for moisture and housing durability and recognize the need for more research in this area, but in the meantime we expect this best practices document will be very useful to builders."

David Dacquisto, who is leading the project for Newport Partners, said, "Moisture in homes is receiving more attention than ever, and more is being learned every day. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and causes many other types of damage in homes. This project calls for compiling the best of what is known, and presenting it to the building community in a way that is easy to use."

For further information contact:

Liza Bowles
Newport Partners LLC
(301) 889-0017
(301) 889-0019 (fax)

Content updated on 3/8/2005

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