• Mold: Causes, Risk, and Prevention

    What Causes Mold?

    There are many conditions that must be present for mold to grow: darkness, warmth, oxygen in the air, etc. However, one condition stands out above the rest. Where there is mold, there must also be moisture. 

    What are the Risks of Mold?

    Anyone involved in the construction, maintenance, selling, insuring or purchasing of a new home (in other words, just about everyone) has probably heard more about the dangers and costs of mold than they care to.

    But the fundamental risks associated with the growth of mold remain: 

    1) Mold can lead to rot, which can severely compromise the structure and durability of a home.

    2) Certain varieties of mold contain toxins that can cause health issues such as throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, coughing, or skin irritation.

    Insurance companies are seeking ways to limit their liability, and homeowners are becoming more aware and sensitive to the issue. But more often than not, the builder or remodeler is caught in the crossfire.

    How Can You Prevent Mold?

    The best practice in building a comfortable, durable and safe home is to adopt a mold resistance strategy that involves using the right products, understanding the application process, and maintaining regular job site management.

    When looking for the right products to use for moisture control, a great place to start would be with Keene’s Driwall™ Membrane.

     

     

     

     

    Driwall™ Membrane is a 60 mil self-adhering flashing & waterproofing membrane. It provides a self-adhered water-proofing membrane in above & below grade applications such as concrete foundation walls, plaza decks, balconies, tunnels, and breezeways.

    - Impermeable to air, moisture vapor, and water

    - Excellent adhesion to plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), concrete,
    metal, and like materials

    - Flexible at low temperatures (-20º F)

    - Handles easily at low temperatures (-20ºF)

    - Highly resistant to punctures and tears