The Coalition is taking this opportunity to remind builders and homeowners alike that building green means building dry. 

The Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (www.responsiblemoldsoutions.org), a consortium of building material companies and associations, academic and government organizations, has announced that August is Mold Awareness Month. The Coalition is taking this opportunity to remind builders and homeowners alike that building green means building dry.

“It’s fair to say that ‘green building’ is the dominant trend in construction today-as builders strive to utilize recycled materials, or materials that are low in embedded energy or are low in energy usage,” said Mike Poellinger, chairman of the RSMC. “Both are important goals, but they must be pursued in a way that allows buildings to manage and repel moisture. Energy-efficient buildings can often trap unwanted moisture-or buildings that feature renewable building materials such as bamboo flooring, for example, may not prove to be highly durable, thereby defeating a key goal of the green building movement: sustainability.”

According to coalition, building green homes means designing, building and maintaining them in a way that keeps moisture at bay. Because a damp home not only deteriorates more quickly, it can also create an unhealthy environment that becomes moldy and attracts insects and other vermin.

Here are some helpful hints to make sure your home stays dry:

•           Avoid complex roof designs that trap rainwater in valleys that do not drain.

•           Never install wet building materials-they should be protected from the elements before installation.

•           Flashings must be installed around all doors, windows and chimneys-driving moisture outside of the building.

•           Only install drywall once the home has been closed in-and give joint compound enough time to dry before it is painted or covered.

•           Be sure there is adequate ventilation-energy efficient homes and buildings can often trap moisture leading to mold.

•           Bamboo flooring is a common choice today because it’s abundant and renewable, but not highly durable. Ceramic tile, for example, will be a much more durable choice, and therefore more “Green.”

•           Select the right type of wallboard for high-moisture rooms like kitchens and baths. Generally, cement board or combination fiberglass/cement boards are best for applying ceramic tile because tile grout will allow water intrusion, leading to mold.

The RSMC comprises 14 companies, associations, government and academic organizations that are dedicated to identifying and communicating accurate, science-based information on mold prevention and control. It is the intention of the organization to provide useful, easily accessible information to everyone with an interest in the subject for both new and existing buildings and homes. RSMC is funded by grants from USG Corporation, National Gypsum and American Gypsum.

For more information on these and other mold-resistant building tips, please visit www.responsiblemoldsolutions.org. Also a copy of a free brochure on mold-fighting tips is available by e-mailing info@responsiblemoldsolutions.org.