If interior walls are enclosed (e.g., with drywall) when framing
materials and insulation are wet, the trapped moisture can lead
to problems for the home. Therefore, it is essential to do the
following before enclosing the interior walls: - Ensure lumber
does not exceed 18% moisture content. - Follow the
manufacturer’s drying specifications for wet-applied insulation
products. Figure 1 - Wet-Applied Insulation that is Still
Drying. The dark spots on this wet-spray cellulose insulation
indicate that it is not dry, and it must be allowed to dry
completely before the wall is enclosed. Use a Moisture Meter to
Ensure a Low Moisture Content for Framing Materials If framing
materials appear wet, you must test them using a moisture meter.
Moisture meters will give you a reliable benchmark to evaluate
whether or not the materials can be safely installed in the
home. The most common wet building material is dimensional
lumber used for framing. This material usually arrives early at
the jobsite and will be exposed to th