Page 391 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

CHAPTER 9

MOLD

INTRODUCTION

The presence of mold in buildings and the resulting health issues of building users have
been in the news almost constantly lately, and this, in turn, has placed an added emphasis
on mold prevention and restoration. It is important to note that by following the water-
proofing concepts presented throughout this book, all types of mold can be prevented
because mold cannot form without the presence of moisture, which typically results from
water infiltration through the building envelope.
For mold to form and grow, it requires: moisture, a food source, and warmth. The food
source is readily found in all types of structures—organic building materials. The most
common type is drywall, where all types of molds can grow. Warm temperature-controlled
interiors of work and living spaces likewise present ideal conditions for mold growth.
Since building materials and controlled interior environments cannot be eliminated to
prevent mold, it is the third component, moisture, that must be controlled and considered
the cause of all mold problems in construction.
An exception to mold caused by water infiltration though the building envelope is typically
mold related to plumbing or heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. For
instance, a leaking water pipe behind a wall can provide the moisture necessary for mold growth.
Likewise, a faulty air-conditioning system can raise the humidity levels above 60 percent (the
level necessary for mold support) when such things as clogged drain pans are present.
However, by far the vast majority of serious mold growth is caused by infiltration of
moisture through the building envelope (often referred to as the “sick building syndrome”).
Most people have seen news related to entire buildings being evacuated and shuttered
owing to mold issues. Yet, in very basic summary, there is no more to mold prevention than
following the basic principles of this book to ensure that any structure does not permit the
intrusion of water in any form to provide the growth of any type of mold or mildew.
Basic mold remediation may eliminate the presence of existing mold, but any mold
remediation procedures are useless without the most important process of eliminating the
causes of water penetration, which permitted the growth of mold in the first place. In fact,
mold remediation without proper waterproofing restoration will permit mold to return.

MOLD

Prior to the publicity about mold growth in structures, mold was commonly referred to as
mildew and was considered more for its confirmation of leakage than its relationship to

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