Mold’s Problem Is Building(s)

ORLANDO – A recent poll of builders and contractors found that 92 percent of them believe moisture in homes and buildings causes mold and mildew, according to the Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC).
Results from a Ducker Research poll, presented at Coverings 2006, also showed 64 percent of the respondents rated mold as important in their construction projects – and 43 percent ranked mold as the number-one issue in construction projects.
“Two things are clear from this research. First, moisture and mold are inextricably linked – if you control one, you’ll control the other,” said Mike Poellinger, RSMC co-chairman and past president of the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries-International. “Second, moisture and mold control are of growing importance to the building trades as well as homeowners.”
Verbatim comments from respondents in the survey, particularly those in the tile and flooring industry, support these research findings.
“Mold is generally what concerns the end users and it’s the most-visible,” said a tile and flooring contractor. “Mold tends to occur more often when walls hold moisture.” Another tile contractor added, “We want to make sure there is as little moisture as possible to start with.”
Distributors included in the survey voiced similar concerns.
“Mold and mildew is the number-one topic in our area,” said one distributor, while another said, “If moisture gets in, the underlayment will not hold up, and the tiles will come off.”
Mold control is also moving into state building codes, added one distributor.
Fifty-six percent of builders and contractors report an enhanced awareness about moisture and mold among consumers. Homeowners are seeing increased media attention about these issues, and that heightened their interest in prevention and control.
“The mission of RSMC is to counter misinformation and educate everyone with an interest in this subject about the fact that moisture and mold control can only be achieved through better building and maintenance practices,” Poellinger added. “There is no ‘silver bullet’ to prevent moisture and mold problems.”
The RSMC was formed through a grant from USG Corp. For additional information on the coalition, visit www.responsiblemoldsolutions.org.