Two men installing MemBrain Continuous Air Barrier.

Moisture Management & Water Resistance

Unwanted moisture can be a health threat—to buildings and people. Let us help you guard against it.

Air and water vapor can have significant effects on a building envelope--the physical barrier that separates the interior and exterior of a structure. How air and water vapor interact with the envelope is crucial for maintaining the structure's durability, energy efficiency, and indoor comfort. So how can air and water vapor affect a building envelope? Glad you asked.

Moisture Infiltration

Air can carry moisture in the form of water vapor. When warm, humid air infiltrates a building in cold weather, it can condense on colder surfaces within the envelope, potentially causing water damage, mold growth, and insulation degradation.

Condensation

When warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface within the building envelope, condensation can occur. This can lead to water damage and the growth of mold or mildew.

Insulation Performance

The presence of water vapor in the building envelope can reduce the effectiveness of insulation materials, making them less capable of retaining heat.

Air Leakage

Uncontrolled air leakage through gaps and cracks in the building envelope can lead to energy loss and discomfort. Infiltrating outdoor air can carry moisture and affect indoor humidity levels.

Indoor Air Quality

The movement of air and moisture through the building envelope can impact indoor air quality. Moisture intrusion can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can affect occupant health.

Energy Efficiency

Air and water vapor can influence a building's energy efficiency. Uncontrolled airflow can result in higher heating and cooling costs, as well as discomfort due to drafts.

Durability

Moisture in the building envelope can lead to structural deterioration over time, particularly in wood and metal components.

It's All Relative

The North American climate varies significantly from region to region, and it has a direct impact on building moisture management strategies. In other words, where you are affects what you need to do. Ensure the long-term integrity and performance of the structure by considering moisture management suitable to the local climate.

Humidity Levels

In humid regions, such as the southeastern United States, high outdoor humidity levels can lead to moisture-related issues. Buildings in these areas need robust moisture barriers and dehumidification systems to prevent indoor humidity from rising to problematic levels.

In arid regions like the Southwest, where outdoor air is dry, moisture management involves preventing moisture infiltration during occasional rain events and using proper vapor barriers to prevent moisture accumulation within the building.

Temperature Extremes

In colder northern climates, like the Midwest and Northeast, condensation is a concern during the winter months. Insulation and air sealing are essential to prevent warm indoor air from reaching cold surfaces and forming condensation.

In hot southern climates, like the Gulf Coast, managing moisture during hot and humid summers is a priority. This may involve strategies like well-designed ventilation, dehumidification, and vapor barriers.

Rainfall, Precipitation, and Flooding

Areas with heavy rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest, require effective rainwater management and drainage systems to prevent water intrusion. Proper flashing, sealing, and moisture-resistant building materials are important in these regions. These precautions are also wise for areas like the central United States, which experiences occasional heavy storms.

Coastal areas are at risk of flooding and storm surge, making moisture management a critical concern. Building codes often require elevated structures, flood-resistant materials, and appropriate foundation designs to address these challenges.

Snow and Ice

In colder northern regions that experience snow and ice, moisture management involves addressing issues related to snow melt and ice dam formation. Adequate insulation, roof designs, and ventilation are key factors.

Building Design and Construction Codes

Building codes and standards for moisture management are often regionally specific, taking into account the local climate and environmental conditions. Compliance with these codes is essential for preventing moisture-related issues.

Building Envelope and HVAC Systems

The design and construction of the building envelope, including the selection of materials, insulation, and ventilation, must be adapted to the local climate to manage moisture effectively. HVAC systems should control indoor humidity levels, and dehumidification may be necessary in high-humidity climates.

The Elements to Defend Against the Elements

Achieve maximum moisture management with easily integrated products that, when combined, maximize air flow, weather tightness, and indoor air quality.

Take it from the top down…

An exploded diagram of a roof showing each layer of moisture protection.

Close up shot of Shadow Ridge ClimateFlex Hip & Ridge Shingles with Landmark ClimateFlex shingles

Landmark ClimateFlex shingles with Quadrabond and CertaSeal technologies

Grace Ice and Water Shield roofing underlayment

See Integrity Roofing Systems

A rendering of a house with the exterior walls torn away to show the interior building materials.

GlasRoc® Tile Backer is a wall and ceiling tile substrate

InsulSafe® SP fiberglass blowing insulation

MemBrain™ Continuous Air Barrier & Smart Vapor Retarder

See all Insulation Products

Three Challenges We'll Help You Meet

From exterior to interior and places in between, take charge of these three factors to stay ahead of potential problems.

Temperature Control

Maintaining a consistent temperature doesn’t just lower costs, it prevents unwanted condensation from growing into larger health and structural hazards. Insulating walls and ducts is the key to consistency.

CertaWrap™ Weather Resistant Barrier is an added layer of protection against air and moisture damage. GlasRoc® Sheathing uses a water-resistant core and fully embedded glass mat for exterior applications. Insulsafe, InsulPure, and OPTIMA provide several options to keep cavities from leaking air and conditioned air.

InsulPure, SoftTouch, and Ultra*Duct Black Duct Board make sure condensation is minimized, and optimal HVAC efficiency is achieved.

Worker installing Board Batten Siding over Certawrap

Humidity Management

You know what the most common source of interior moisture buildup is? Not water. Water Vapor. Limit condensation by controlling it with materials that prevent water retention at every layer. Plan ahead with strategic material choices.

CertaSeal INT helps prevent air leakage that can bring in unwanted humidity.

Insulation such as InsulPure, OPTIMA, and InsulSafe helps prevent cavities from collecting moisture in unseen locations. GlasRoc Tile Backer is a substrate with a water-resistant core to meet the demands of high moisture areas.

Waterproofing

Intruding water will take—and make—many paths. Vapor barriers, sealants, and low-moisture retention materials ensure unwanted moisture stays out. Seal cracks to prevent buildup on surfaces and in cavities.

CertaSeal INT prevents any unwanted water from leaking through interior structures.

MemBrain™ is a patented continuous air barrier that remains tight in winter to keep moisture out; it also increases permeability in summer to let moisture escape, helping to keep walls dry. GlasRoc Tile Backer help prevent water intrusion in spaces exposed to water in a building.

Grace Ice & Water Shield®

Built to withstand the toughest challenges, Grace Ice and Water Shield has proven its worth in the most demanding climates. Whether you face heavy rain, snow, ice dams, or high winds, this powerful moisture barrier stands firm, shielding your home and family from potential disasters.

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Grace Ice Water Shield installed on roof

Built-In Air and Vapor Management

CertainTeed Offsite Construction delivers—literally—high-performance, factory-ready solutions that seamlessly work together. Buildings assemble quickly, with sustainability, comfort, and aesthetics built-in and sealed with airtight precision.

Explore a complete portfolio of components designed to work together, including high R-value insulation, drywall, siding, cool roofs, solar modules and systems, wallboards, and finishing systems.

One precision assemblies pilot home in black, located in Mystic Connecticut

An Ounce of Prevention

Minimize Mold Conditions

Handle and store building materials carefully to reduce potential mold growth. Store building materials in areas that are sheltered from moisture (rain and snow) and protect them from other moisture sources, such as fresh concrete and standing water.

Check Humidity

Water is not the only type of moisture to guard against. It may be necessary to consider onsite dehumidification to help reduce moisture load in the building. When applying and finishing gypsum board, site conditions should follow ASTM C 840 and GA-216 requirements.