VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — CertainTeed has introduced SMARTBATT™ with MoistureSense™ technology, a new kraft-faced fiberglass batt insulation that the company says contributes to healthier homes and buildings by intelligently managing moisture.

CertainTeed said the first-of-its-kind MoistureSense technology is a smart vapor retarder. It adapts based on moisture levels in the wall cavity, blocking moisture from entering when humidity is low and allowing the wall to breathe when it senses high humidity that needs to be released, helping reduce the potential for mold and mildew growth.

Kelly Warren, senior product manager for CertainTeed Insulation, said, “Moisture is unavoidable in any home and can lead to health problems if unaddressed. SMARTBATT is the only dynamic insulation that can constantly adapt to a home’s unique conditions to help ensure protection from moisture in any season or climate. When installed with a caulk and seal package, this unique product provides an unparalleled combination of moisture management, thermal performance, air tightness, and acoustics which equates to complete comfort inside a home.”

By integrating the MoistureSense kraft-facing onto a high-performance fiberglass batt, SMARTBATT provides a single solution for indoor comfort that can be easily installed in one step. It is ideal for crawlspaces, basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and exterior walls — any place traditional kraft insulation is typically used.

SMARTBATT also offers an alternative to the practice of installing a vapor barrier film over unfaced batts, eliminating the need for a two-step installation and saving on time and labor costs. It is available in R-values ranging from R-13 to R-38. It installs like traditional kraft-faced insulation, requiring no special tools or training.

For more information, go to www.certainteed.com/smartbatt.

Publication date: 2/17/2014

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