System Solutions to Prevent Mold How a systems approach to managing moisture is the most effective strategy for minimizing the growth of mold. Moisture Control

Architects, designers, contractors and maintenance engineers must work together to prevent mold growth during construction and throughout a building’s life cycle. Controlling mold requires careful design, proper construction and thorough maintenance, all of which aim to manage one basic factor: moisture.

Prevent Moisture Although mold spores and nutrients must be available for mold to develop, they are found everywhere and cannot be eliminated from most spaces without expensive clean room equipment. Moisture is the only variable that can be controlled within the construction environment. What You Need to Know Moisture exposure can occur during all phases of the construction process and throughout the building lifecycle because of condensation, inadequate drying of building products, roof and pipe leaks, gross water penetration of the facade, and natural disasters. All products become susceptible...

Control Exposure The issue of moisture and mold has become more prevalent due to tighter fabrication, lack of protection from snow and rain during the construction phase, and inadequate drying of concrete, plaster, and paint as the building is finished. What You Need to Know A systems approach to managing water is the most effective strategy for controlling moisture and minimizing the growth of mold. Since mold occurs naturally everywhere in our environment, it is important to know how construction practices can impact systems moisture management. Moisture is critical because it must be present...

5 USG System Solutions to Prevent Mold

Manage Risk Testing provides a basis for comparing performance under controlled lab conditions. This does not mean that the test will accurately represent building material performance in actual end use, since unsuitable project conditions during storage, installation and maintenance can introduce moisture and cause mold. What You Need to Know Mold-resistant products are effective only when used in conjunction with sound design and construction practices. When moisture is limited during the construction phase, mold-resistant products act as extra protection against mold growth when incidental...

In independent lab tests conducted at the time of manufacture per ASTM D3273, “Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber," the panel score was 10. This ASTM lab test may not accurately represent the mold performance of building materials in actual use. Given unsuitable project conditions during storage, installation or after completion, any building material can be overwhelmed by mold. To manage the growth of mold, the best and most cost-effective strategy is to protect building products from water exposure during storage...

Choose Performance Wet performance describes a product’s ability to perform when appropriately installed. Typically products are engineered for one or all of the following: moisture resistance, sag resistance, mold resistance, and tile bond. USG offers a comprehensive product line, application guidelines, and tools for ceilings, substrates and drywall systems to address wet performance issues. What You Need to Know Using the right product in the right place is critical. Building exteriors require multiple barriers to water intrusion, and proper control of condensation can prevent the trapping...

9 USG System Solutions to Prevent Mold

10 USG System Solutions to Prevent Mold

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