How do we fix/prevent mold problems?
Keep our buildings clean and dry
When (not if) it gets wet: force it dry, design it to dry
The critical balancing act: wetting <-> drying
Spore germination can and will begin within 24-48 hours
Control humidity: design for your climate, rainfall
Keep our buildings dry during construction, too!
n“Conventional HVAC systems are not designed to dry out construction-related moisture.”
“In every yard of concrete, nearly 50 gallons of water is excess to the curing process.”
~600 gallons for every 1000 ft2 of 4” thick slab
Curing concrete: gypsum wallboard and flooring
In humid seasons, open air drying can hold up work for 3-4 months.
With dehumidification, in 3-6 weeks, emission rate drops from 8-9 lbs/day to 3-4 lb/day (per 1000 ft2)
As required by the warranties of most flooring manufacturers
“Sealing [concrete] can be very effective, especially when simply no time is left for drying.”
Drying costs ~80% less than vapor sealing
Floor sealing: $1 - $8 per ft2
Drying: $0.15 - $1 per ft2
See Relevant Guidance from:
Associated General Contractors (AGC)
Energy and Environmental Building Association (EEBA)
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
UMass, Building Materials and Wood Technology
nAmerican Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
nMoisture Control Handbook (U.S. DOE)
nHumidity Control Design Guide (ASHRAE) Find out more...
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