<b><b>Problems arising from moisture ingress into homes can hardly be overstated, but product developments can minimise the risks, reports Neville Davis</b></b><br><b>With prevention of moisture ingress into new build homes of vital importance to housebuilders, specialist manufacturers want to reassure them the products available can protect them from potential complaints. Damp, water and vapour from various sources and directions are difficult to keep out entirely but these products are claimed to come as close as can be expected.</b><br><b><b>Cavity trays </b></b><br> Estimates vary but it is thought around one-third of housebuilders continue to work without proprietary cavity trays. Using traditional methods, they will in effect make their own from damp-proofing materials and rely on experience and skill to do it effectively. Cavity tray producers, of course, say the apparent initial cost advantage of this approach is only an illusion.<p></p><p> Firstly, they point out, the cost in terms of the work and time involved can be much higher with traditional methods. They argue site work can be prone to many more errors than with factory-produced components, and not all tradespeople are equally skilled and conscientious. They warn that subsequent problems from errors can be difficult to resolve. </p><p>These specialist producers claim to provide …