Watch the video on Mold Prevention Methods.
Mold—the bane of the builder.
Anyone involved in the construction, maintenance, selling, insuring, or purchasing of a new home (in other words, just about everyone) has probably heard more about the dangers and costs of mold than they care to.
But the fundamental risks associated with the potential of a mold problem remain: mold can lead to rot, compromising the home’s durability; and toxic varieties can cause health hazards. As insurance companies seek ways to limit their liability, and homeowners become more aware and sensitive to the issue, the builder is often caught in the crossfire.
The best practice in building a comfortable, durable, and safe home is to adopt a mold resistance strategy that includes products, process, and job site management.
Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
- Keep all wood studs dry, and check your job site inventory on a regular basis to make sure it’s being stored appropriately.
- Allow framing to dry before putting up drywall. Mold can begin to grow on wet surfaces within 48 hours, so the home could have a mold issue even before the homeowners move in.
- Use mold resistant drywall and paints, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Install ventilation fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. Make sure these are vented to the exterior.
- Waterproof the home to prevent bulk water intrusion. This means everything from kick-out flashing on the roof to french drains in the foundation.
- New methods, technologies, and products are hitting the market every year, so take advantage of free information from government programs like PATH to keep up to date.
Understanding the best practices in mold resistance will help you reduce the risk of litigation related to mold, contribute to building a superior product, and give homeowners peace of mind.
The Basics of Mold
There are about 100,000 known varieties of mold, several of which can cause pain, irritation, allergic reactions, and even death to humans. Mold requires only water, food (any organic material, like wood), and a moderate temperature to thrive. Germination of the mold spore can take as little as 24 hours, and it’s almost impossible to remove all mold spores from the air.
The main danger in mold isn’t the green or black "fuzz" you find eating away at wood or paint in dark cabinets, but the airborne spores mold sends out. These spores are like plant seeds for mold that can carry mycotoxins and become lodged in the lungs when inhaled.
To remediate or clean-up a mold patch, be sure to follow EPA health regulations. If the contaminated area is over 31 square feet, an approved environmental testing company and mold remediation company will have to be employed.
BuildIQ has a Mold Assessment and Remediation course that gives you step-by-step guidance. For more information, visit BuildIQ.com. In addition, the Building America program offers a wealth of information on ways to proactively address mold issues. Check out the "For Builder’s" section of their website or click here for more information.
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