Mold Coalition Helps Homeowners Control Moisture, Avoid Mold

(HIT) - An Internet search reveals that there are more than 33 million sites one can visit to learn about controlling moisture and mold. Coming to the rescue of homeowners and builders alike who are looking for simple, understandable advice is the Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), which recently announced its top 10 nominations for the best sources of information on mold prevention. These sources and a newly updated brochure on controlling moisture and mold are available through the Coalition’s Web site (www.responsiblemoldsolutions.org).

	The Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition website (www.responsiblemoldsolutions.org) provides a wealth of information about controlling moisture and mold.

What’s encouraging about these various information sources is they support one fundamental message: If you control moisture, you’ll control mold. That has been at the heart of what RSMC has communicated over the past year. There is a common misperception among homeowners and builders that water intrusion is inevitable and therefore mold-resistant products are the answer. This is simply not the case. While mold- resistant products can play an important role, dry buildings and homes are the result of careful design, construction and maintenance.

In evaluating the best sources of information on moisture/mold control, RSMC identified some of the most common errors that lead to water intrusion and mold growth:

• Wet building materials: Building materials are often improperly stored at the job site. They should not be delivered until it’s time to install them, and while they’re being stored, they should be off the ground and covered tightly with a tarp.
  
• Rushed building schedules that do not allow enough time for joint compound, tile grout, paint and sprayed foam insulation to dry adequately.
  
• Roofs that are designed in a manner that does not provide a clear pathway for water to move off of the roof and into gutters and downspouts.
  
• Blocked gutters and downspouts that are improperly installed in a manner that directs water toward the house.
  
• Improper grading around the house that directs water into the basement.
  
• Water or waste pipes installed in exterior walls—in northern climates as temperatures vary, condensation can form on pipes that are normally surrounded by insulation, making drainage impossible.
  
• Failure to place water-handling appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines in large pans that drain away from the house. These pans are commonly available at home improvement centers.
  
• Failure to replace washing machines hoses. This is the leading insurance claim for water damage.
• Failure to replace water heaters every 10 to 12 years. Most homeowners wait until their water heater fails (and usually leaks). Deferred replacement is more costly in the long run.
• Lack of flashing around doors, windows, roofs and chimneys that safely channel water away from the house, and allow walls to dry out.,
  

The Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition is a consortium of building industry associations, academic and governmental bodies and companies, including USG Corporation and National Gypsum Company. More information is available at www.responsiblemoldsolutions.org.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center