THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MOLD

Over the last few years the number of nationwide mold lawsuits has increased by a dramatic 300 percent. The cost to the construction industry is staggering as hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent each year on mold litigation, claims, and remediation.

Molds are among the oldest life forms on earth and are naturally occurring organisms spread by means of airborne spores. These spores comprise more than 25% of the earth’s biomass and are in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the buildings we live in. The health effects from exposure to these molds are subject to scientific debate with the perception being that mold is "toxic". There are over 100,000 different species of mold that have been identified to date.

In addition to mold spores, there are 3 other elements necessary for mold to grow. They are:  food, proper temperatures, & moisture.

Food:  All organic building materials such as paper-faced gypsum, wood, ceiling tiles, plywood, fiberglass insulation, paint & carpets are nutrients for mold.

Temperatures:  Mold thrives in temperatures between 40 -100 degrees F., the same environment necessary for human habitation.

Moisture: Can be from rain, floods, leaks, vapor or even condensation from a relative humidity above 60%.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

In order to minimize the potential for mold growth in a building, the design professional’s responsibility should be to:

• Design a building envelope that minimizes air, water & moisture infiltration.
• Specify proper HVAC along with other mechanical & plumbing systems that have the potential to prevent excessive humidity and condensation.
• Specify inorganic materials that do not support mold growth where feasibly possible.

DensGlass Gold Exterior Gyp Sheathing Resists Moisture, Mold & Mildew

“Rubberized Membranes for the Building Envelope”  by Brian LeVoguer