Mold hysteria is driving the housing industry crazy.

Owners, contractors, suppliers and designers point
fingers in an attempt to lay blame on one another.

LET'S LEARN ABOUT MOLD-MOISTURE-MAINTENANCE

Mold is a type of fungus that's everywhere life
can be supported -- 100,000 kinds exist in the world.

Mold requires food, air, water and a temperature
between 40 and 100 degrees F to grow.

"Types of Mold and Fungi"
http://www.moldupdate.com/moldtypes.htm
From the folks at MoldUpdate.Com

Designing and building homes that exclude mold spores
is impossible. If conditions are right, mold will grow.

Mold requires moisture and a food source; so, if the
temperature is right, mold can develop in 48 hours.

"Controlling Mold Growth in the Home"
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/HOUS2/MF2141.PDF
From the folks at Kansas State University

During the design phase, there are areas of concern that
architects and residential designers need to address.

Proper design solutions begin at the drawing board
where architects anticipate issues before they're problematic.

"Healthy and Affordable Housing: Practical Recommendations for
Building, Renovating and Maintaining Housing"
http://www.buildingscience.com/resources/mold/Design_Build.pdf
From the folks at the Building Science Corporation

During the build phase, there are construction measures that
contractors and superintendents must undertake.

At each phase of construction, each specialty contractor must be
held accountable for installation errors or the improper use
of equipment or materials.

"Reduce Mold Risks by Prodding Subs to Prevent Water Intrusion"
http://www.osbornlaw.com/Publications/Reduce_Mold_Risks_by_Prodding_Subs.html
From the law firm of John E. Osborn

There are routine, common-sense, maintenance steps you should take:

* Maintain caulking around windows, doors, tubs, sinks.

* Weather-stripping around doors/windows should be in place.

* Clean/vacuum regularly around refrigerator, under sinks, hvac units.

* Follow mfr's recommendations if you use a humidifier.

* Check your home often for staining, standing water, mildew.

* Keep water moving away from your house and clean gutters/downspouts.

* Watch for plumbing leaks or flashing leaks.

* Maintain tile grout to keep moisture from reaching inside wall/floor.

* Fans in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room should be utilized.

"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/images/moldguide.pdf
From the folks at the Environmental Protection Agency

My hope is that science will lead the way to calming mold hysteria.

Owners, contractors, suppliers and designers share responsibility
during design, construction and maintenance phases.

Any other suggestions for great sites, please let me know,
I'll report them on the radio show.

Down Home Radio
http://www.DownHomeRadio.Com/

Best Regards,

Tom Landis

Owner Builder News
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