Mold In My House? … Confronting The Issue Of Moisture In Homebuilding And Repair

(HIT) - With more than 100,000 species of mold present in- and outdoors, wherever there is standing water or any dampness, it’s no wonder that leading building product manufacturers are making major commitments to insure the availability of moisture control information and moisture resistant products that actively inhibit mold development.

The single most effective way to prevent mold growth and maintain a healthy home, according to the Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), is by controlling moisture. Since mold can grow on virtually any material that becomes dirty or wet, builders and do-it-yourselfers are faced with tough choices in the selection of building and maintenance materials and practices.

Fiberglas insulation, lumber, carpet, fabric, vinyl wall coverings, paint, plywood, siding, wallboard, ceiling panels and brick share a potential for mold; and even products made of aluminum, steel and glass can support mold growth under the right conditions.

Moisture Control In Today’s Homes

Venting bathroom dryers, and other moisture producing sources such as showers, stoves and dishwashers to the outside is a good place to start. Regular use of dehumidifiers and air-conditioners is helpful during summer months, as is fresh air circulation in times of low humidity. Insulation around pipes, windows and doors, roofing and floors can make a difference also. One vitally important aspect of moisture control is finding the source of leaks and making necessary repairs at once. An additional help is remembering to turn off furnace humidifiers during the winter months.

The Comprehensive Approach

The only truly effective strategy to eliminate mold according to the Mold Coalition website guidelines is "to embrace best building practices and eliminate sources of unwanted moisture."

Homeowner can clean small patches of mold with household detergents and warm water. After cleaning, rinsing, and drying, the spot where the mold has grown, rubber gloves and cleaning cloths should be thrown away. Those who discover large areas of mold, however, may require the services of a mold abatement specialist to eradicate the mold and identify and eliminate the source of moisture.

Any modern, energy-efficient and advanced building can run the risk of potential mold growth, due to airtight construction– trapping moisture inside wall cavities and other enclosures. A comprehensive approach to the problem of mold includes the use of innovative products like Sheetrock® brand Mold Tough™ gypsum panels by United States Gypsum Company (USG), as well as locating and drying up the source of moisture These gypsum panels are specifically intended for use in interior areas–like basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms or garages–where incidental moisture is a concern.

With proper design and construction, a home can be both energy-efficient and free from moisture related problems.

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