A well-installed shrink wrap enclosure stops rain, wind, and debris from entering a damaged structure. What it cannot do on its own is manage the moisture already present inside the building envelope or generated by ongoing drying processes.
Sources of Interior Moisture
- Residual water absorbed into insulation, drywall, and structural wood
- Condensation on the underside of the shrink wrap membrane
- Ground vapor migration in structures with compromised foundation sealing
- Humidity infiltration through temporary access openings
Monitoring Protocol
StormWrappers recommends deploying data-logging humidity sensors at 3 to 5 representative locations inside any enclosure exceeding 30 days duration. Readings above 60% RH sustained for more than 72 hours create conditions favorable for mold initiation on organic substrates.
Ventilation Integration
For longer-duration enclosures, shrink wrap systems can be designed with controlled ventilation ports that allow air exchange while maintaining weather protection.
