Method and apparatus for moisture detection in exterior sheathing of residential and commercial buildings
US7126486B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/5762
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated device monitors moisture content in exterior sheathing of a building for detecting moisture intrusion into the sheathing walls. A plurality of moisture sensors are embedded in selected exterior walls of the building behind the cladding and are adapted to provide signals representative of the moisture content in the walls at each of the selected locations. A control unit is operatively connected with each of the plurality of moisture sensors for generating an alarm signal when at least one of the signals representative of the moisture content in the plurality of walls is indicative of a moisture content in excess of a predetermined threshold value. Each moisture sensor is preferably in the form of a pair of spaced apart elongate conductive probe members having a substantial portion thereof from a lead end embedded into a substrate of the exterior building walls, and a connection end extending outwardly from the first wall for enabling electrical connection of each moisture sensor to the control unit. An audible or visual alarm is generated when moisture is detected. Electronic communication of alarm signals are further provided for moisture monitoring from a distance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.