Foreword by Ian Thompson, Editor
Mould prevention isn’t often thought about enough in our design and building projects. There are not many houses around the world that don’t experience mould in one way or another. Whether it’s in your bathroom, around your windows, or in your fridge, mould usually prevails when moisture isn’t managed properly, and it is allowed to grow on a surface—usually, a condensating one.
Lately, I’ve seen mould in brand-new houses that are only a few months old, so it’s not about the age of the building. It’s about the way we build, the materials we use, and moisture management.
Mould is unsightly, yes, but more importantly, it is very detrimental to our health, particularly our respiratory systems. It is one of the biggest causes of asthma and breathing-related illnesses.
In New Zealand, it’s been reported that over half of our houses are not just mouldy, but they are actually classified as too unhealthy to live in. That is an alarming statistic that should not be a reality anywhere in the world, not even in third-world countries. This is frankly a detriment to the way houses have been and are being built, and it’s avoidable. By using better design and building practices, choosing better and more sustainable building products and materials, and maintaining regular cleaning, we can prevent this problem.
And fact for the day, mould loves growing on paper based materials like particle board which is a very common wall lining, so make sure you use a good paint to seal that surface.
Over to Matt and Peter.
5 Tips for Mould Prevention in Construction: Mastering Moisture Management
Video Summary
Matt Risinger teams up with envelope consulting expert Peter Yost in this video and emphasizes the importance of mould prevention and moisture management in building construction to create mould-free houses. Several strategies are discussed to highlight the key factors for preventing mould growth, emphasizing the crucial role of moisture management in this process.
We begin by emphasizing the key factors for mould prevention in houses, highlighting the need to address temperature, food, and moisture as essential conditions for mould growth. Managing moisture is identified as a crucial element in preventing mould growth, particularly on wood frames.
The importance of managing moisture to prevent mould is reiterated, with specific recommendations to maintain the moisture content of studs at an optimal level to prevent mould growth. It is emphasized that design strategies should be tailored based on climate, with modern buildings requiring extra precautions against mould.
Proper moisture management is consistently identified as key to building mould-free houses. Concerns about water management and the impact of different design elements on moisture levels in a house are discussed, underscoring the importance of maintenance in keeping the house free from mould and water damage.
In addition, regular maintenance is highlighted as a key practice for preventing mould in houses, with an emphasis on maintaining dehumidifiers and cleaning surfaces during the build process. Controlling air leakage is presented as crucial in preventing moisture buildup inside building assemblies, requiring proper sealing of the house and managing moisture in high moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages.
The use of moisture-resistant materials is encouraged to prevent mould growth, with specific recommendations for alternative materials in moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms. The video highlights the importance of using epoxy grout and glazed tiles for mould-free houses, emphasizing their moisture resistance and effectiveness in preventing mould growth.
Dehumidification is identified as crucial for building a mould-free house, with a specific emphasis on whole house humidification in humid climates. Effective moisture management is reiterated as key for preventing mould issues.
In summary, the video emphasizes the significance of mould prevention, moisture management, and the use of specific construction strategies to build mould-free houses. The educational points highlighted in the video offer practical insights for construction professionals, homeowners, and anyone involved in building or maintaining residential properties. By implementing the recommended strategies, individuals can proactively address mould prevention and moisture management to create healthier living environments and durable, mould-free houses.
Related Links
Free “Moisture Control” Construction Book EPA – Intv at Building Science Camp
