EPA Publishes First Indoor airPLUS Guidance Module~Custom Home Magazine

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" Moisture Control, " the first module, addresses the construction methods

and component materials necessary for managing water intrusion from exterior

and interior sources

_EPA Publishes First Indoor airPLUS Guidance Module_

(http://www.customhomeonline.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=204 & articleID=13862\

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EPA Publishes First Indoor airPLUS Guidance Module

New technical guidance on moisture control details how to implement the

construction specifications of the indoor air quality program for new homes.

Source: CUSTOM HOME Magazine

Publication date: September 9, 2010

By Stephani L.

To assist home builders, subcontractors, architects, and other residential

construction professionals in implementing the construction requirements of

the _Indoor airPLUS_ (http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html)

labeling program for new homes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

recently released the first of seven _technical guidance modules_

(http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/technical/index.html) addressing the

necessary

construction methods, equipment, and materials to meet each of the program's

specifications. Indoor airPLUS recognizes new homes that have been designed

and constructed to reduce poor indoor air quality.

" Moisture Control, " the first module, addresses the construction methods

and component materials necessary for managing water intrusion from exterior

and interior sources. Discussions for potential exterior sources of

moisture intrusion are divided into three topics: foundations, exterior walls,

and

roofing systems. The guidance on interior sources of water intrusion

addresses moisture-resistant materials and moisture-protective systems,

situations in which continuous vapor barriers should not be used, and the use

of

water-damaged materials.

Each technical guidance module is designed to explain the intent of each of

the program's requirements, as well as how to implement each of the

preferred methods or install materials to meet Indoor airPLUS specifications. A

set of additional best practices for each of the specifications also is

included, although they are not requirements of the program.

The remaining modules, which will be released as they are finalized, are:

" Radon Control, " " Pest Barriers, " " HVAC Systems, " " Combustion Pollutant

Control, " " Low-Emissions Materials, " and " Home Commissioning. "