Moisture Problems In Manufactured Housing: Probable Causes And Cures

A significant number of new manufactured houses built to HUD code and located in the hot, humid Southeast are experiencing moisture problems. Soft wallboards, buckled floors, damaged wood molding and extensive mold growth are the most common symptoms. These problems do not respond to the standard service and repair strategies for water intrusion At the request of four manufacturers, over twenty-five such moisture damaged homes were investigated in 1999 and 2000 to determine likely causes. One time blower door, duct tightness and pressure differential measurements were performed on all homes. Field data on ambient, crawlspace, belly and house temperatures and RH were collected on a few of the homes. Recommendations and reports were prepared for the manufacturers service, production and design staff. Field repairs were performed in most of these homes. A generalized theme existed in the houses investigated. Lowered air conditioner thermostat setting (typically 68-73F), below the ambient dew point. Negative pressures across the envelope from high supply duct leakage (cfm @25Pa \u3e 10 per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area), inadequate return air paths, interior door closures, exhaust fans or a combination thereof. Inadequate moisture removal from disconnected return ducts, fans always on (air handler or ventilation), inadequate drainage of condensate, oversized air conditioner or a combination thereof. Moisture diffusion from the ground into the house because of poor site drainage, inadequate crawl space ventilation, tears in the belly board, or a combination thereof. Vapor retarder in the wrong location i.e. vinyl or other impermeable wall or floor coverings located on the colder surfaces. Recommended solutions provided to the manufacturers to eliminate moisture problems include: Maintain air conditioner thermostat above the ambient dew point (at least 75F ) Eliminate long term negative pressures created by air handler fans or ventilation equipment. Tightly seal all ductwork and provide adequate return air pathways. Enhance moisture removal from the conditioned space by correct sizing and maintainence of equipment Eliminate ground source water and provide adequate moisture barrier for the floor assembly If possible, remove vapor barriers located on the wrong surfaces. Work is continuing to determine if these steps will be sufficient to prevent problems even in the presence of vapor barriers in the wrong locations for the hot, humid climates that are preferred by manufacturers and customers