System, Components, and Methods for Detecting Moisture

Abstract

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.

1 . A moisture detection assembly for use in detecting moisture at a surface of a building structure, the assembly comprising:
 a sensor element for contacting the surface of the building structure;   an indicator responsive to movement of at least a portion of the sensor element to indicate a moisture condition at the surface of the building.   
     
     
         2 . The moisture detection assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor element comprises a water-absorbing polymer which expands uniformly in at least one of its three physical dimensions as it absorbs water. 
     
     
         3 . The moisture detection assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor element consist essentially of a Hydroxy Terminated Poly (Oxyalkylene) Polyol. 
     
     
         4 . The moisture detection assembly of  claim 2 :
 wherein the sensor element has the form of a right circular cylinder having a front face and a rear face; and   wherein the assembly further comprises:
 a chamber at least partially containing the sensor element and defining an axial dimension generally perpendicular to the front face of the sensor element; 
 means, within the chamber and including a helical spring, for biasing the front face of the sensor element into contact with the surface of the building; and 
 wherein the indicator:
 includes a rod having a front portion and rear portion, with the rear portion extending through the helical spring to contact the rear face of the sensor element, and 
 is responsive to axial movement of the rear face within the chamber to cause the rear portion of the rod to extend outward from the chamber and thereby indicate existence of the moisture condition. 
 
   
     
     
         5 . The moisture detection assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the chamber comprises a circularly cylindrical plastic (e.g., PVC) tube having a front portion and rear portion and an interior bore therethrough, with the front portion at least partially containing the sensor element, and the rear portion having an exterior surface including screw threads for engagement with a drywall spaced from the surface. 
     
     
         6 . A method of detecting a moisture condition in a building wall having an exterior sheathing portion and an interior drywall portion, the method comprising:
 placing a water-absorbent material in contact with the exterior sheathing portion; and   in response to expansion of the water-absorbent material, moving an indicator from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the water-absorbent material includes a Hydroxy Terminated Poly (Oxyalkylene) Polyol. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising actuating an electrical switch in response to movement of the indicator to the second position;
 and wherein movement of the indicator to the second position indicates a moisture condition, such as the sheathing having a moisture content of at least 25%.   
     
     
         9 . A kit comprising:
 means for creating a hole through a drywall structure and adjacent fiberglass insulation to an exterior wall sheathing of a building;   means for passively (i.e., without electrical energization)-detecting a moisture condition in the exterior wall sheathing, wherein at least a portion of the passive detection means is sized to fit through the hole and contact the exterior wall sheathing; and   means for engaging an end portion of the passive detection means and securing the passive detection means to the drywall structure.   
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 9 , further comprising a guide tube delivery system, wherein the guide tube delivery system includes:
 means for insertion into the hole through the drywall structure and for engaging the passive detection means and ensuring substantially perpendicular alignment of the passive detection means to the drywall structure; and   means, mounted to the insertion means, for securing a sensor end portion of the passive detection means in contact with exterior wall sheathing.   
     
     
         11 - 13 . (canceled)