Moisture in New Construction, Mold testing and inspection

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Moisture in New Construction, Mold testing and inspection.

Moisture in New Construction, Mold testing and inspection.

If you keep moisture out of a building, you'll likely keep mold out as well, since mold requires a moist environment.

A dry building not only prevents mold outbreaks, but also creates a more pleasant, healthier environment. And, dry buildings are more durable, and will have fewer maintenance problems - so controlling moisture is truly a win-win for builders, owners, and occupants.

There are Several Excellent Strategies to prevent New Construction Moisture and Mold Growth. Here is an Excellent Checklist:

1) All building materials must be kept dry. They should be protected from the weather before they're installed.

2) The scheduling of the trades that install the roof and cladding, to prevent leaks and visible penetrations for leaks.

3) Exterior wall cavities should be properly insulated - insulation should completely fill the cavity to prevent the formation of convection cells within the wall that can negatively affect moisture and energy management. Mineral Wool insulation, or Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) which is a closed-cell, rigid foam board insulation, are better examples of insulation.

4) Avoid Placing Pipes in Exterior Walls, due to possible condensation and mold growth.

5) Wallboard should only be installed during the controlled phase of construction when the building envelope is enclosed.

6) Use of Desiccant Dehumidification, and Heat, to lower Relative Humidity values, and Vapor Pressure, in order to Dry Joint Compounds and other substrates more efficiently. 

7) Concrete Foundations and floors must be cured and dried. Uncured concrete introduces lots of moisture into a new building.

8) HVAC systems must be balanced throughout the building to avoid overcooling interior rooms, which can lead to Condensation and Mold growth.

9) Vent and exhaust Moist areas to Outside, such as Commercial lavatories and shower facilities.

10) Masonry block absorbs water, it should be covered with sheathing materials before EIFSs or other siding materials are applied. If there has been a significant amount of recent rain, be sure to allow enough time for the block to dry before being covered.

11) Exterior walls must be designed to incorporate a water-resistant barrier behind the cladding system, as well as an air barrier and thermal insulation.

12) Properly Install Roof, Window and Door Flashings.  Flashings should be installed around all roof lines, windows, and doors, ensuring that the water flows out of the building.

13) All roof penetrations, such as vent pipes and other HVAC-related piping, should be properly flashed and drained to ensure that water drains to a roof drain or sump, and away from the building - not into the building structure.

14) The grade around all buildings should slope away from the foundation. The first 10 feet of soil extending outward from the building should be pitched at a 5-percent grade, or 6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet. The slope should be checked every few years to make sure that the backfill has not settled.

15) Install perimeter drains, as rain and water will be taken away from the base of the foundation, thereby keeping the foundation and basement dry.

16) Coat Vertical Foundation Walls on the Outside, with a Vapor Barrier.
Cement, Concrete block and brick is porous and, without the protection of this type of barrier, water moving down the side of the foundation may be absorbed and make its way into the basement.

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