How Improved Building Design May Lead to Less Mold and Better Air Quality in the Home
Builders are finding innovative ways of constructing homes that can significantly reduce the mold and air quality problems that have given headaches to so many homeowners around the country. Mold infestations can be costly, not to mention the attack on the health of the household members.
Robert Weitz, founder of RTK Environmental Group, which is an environmental testing firm operating in the Washington to Northeast Boston areas. Their area of expertise is to help home builders repair homes that have been damaged by mold, and build new homes that are very resilient to climate change.
Here are the key building considerations to keep in mind, as explained by a certified microbial investigator:
- Homes must be correctly orientated to ensure that the natural light is maximized during a power outage.
- Drywall panels must be used that provide protection against fire, moisture, mildew and mold.
- To avoid penetration of the exterior sliding from wind and rain a high-quality housewrap must be installed by the homebuilder. For example, in Northeast, it was common for roof shingles to be applied directly to the plywood. Now it is an expectation to use a weather or ice shield.
- To prevent radon infiltration and water intrusion the home must be constructed above ground level.
Taking the steps above might increase the cost of construction, but the money will be retrieved in the form of savings down the line. The chances of costly repair bills to remove mold and improve air quality will be greatly reduced.
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