MOISTURE DETECTION SENSORS FOR BUILDING STRUCTURES

A moisture detection sensor is used in a building structure to detect moisture penetration. The sensor is a flat element, preferably in the form of a self- adhesive tape. it includes a substrate of dielectric, hydrophobic material. Two elongate, parallel, conductors are secured to the top surface of the substrate and a protective layer of non-hygroscopic, water pervious material Secured to the to the top surface of the substrate, over the conductors. A pressure sensitive mounting adhesive is placed on a bottom surface of the substrate and covered with a release sheet. The sensor may include moisture probes adapted to penetrate the protective layer, the respective conductors and the substrate and to extend into a building component to which the substrate has been adhered. Each probe is made from a conductive, corrosion resistant material. This is particularly useful with water absorbent building materials, such as wood, where the surface may appear dry, but the body is impregnated with water. The preferred moisture probe is a U-shaped metal element configured to be driven in by a conventional power stapler.