GREENGUARD's 10 Tips to Construct a Mold-Free Building

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Press Release Source: GREENGUARD Environmental Institute

GREENGUARD's 10 Tips to Construct a Mold-Free Building

Monday August 28, 3:49 pm ET

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ATLANTA, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Even with today's construction

techniques, most buildings undergo natural wear and eventually need

renovation. However, another hazard exists that can cause a building

to lose value even before construction is complete. Dubbed " the new

asbestos " by many, mold is an increasing problem in many new

construction buildings, ruining the indoor air quality and costing

thousands of dollars to remediate, according to GREENGUARD

Environmental Institute (GEI).

GEI, a non-profit organization that establishes indoor air standards

for indoor products, environments and buildings, advises builders

and contractors to take 10 precautions to avoid mold contamination

of their properties.

" All it takes is a little rain and mold can grow all over an exposed

structure, " said Carl , CEO/executive director of GEI. " Safer

building may cost a little more time and money in the short term,

but can save many more headaches in the future. "

These precautions, which comprise the GEI Mold Protection Program

include:

1. Site Assessment

The site must undergo both a soil/hydrology review and

assessment and a

landscape architecture review and assessment. You should hire a

registered civil engineer for the first job and a registered

landscape

architect for the second. One must particularly make sure

water does not

settle near the building's proposed foundation.

2. Building Envelope Review

An independent third party should assess the strength of the

building's

roof, wall assembly and foundation.

3. HVAC

A load analysis, equipment selection review, control systems

check,

layout and materials section review are all necessary.

4. Plumbing

Moisture and condensation must be managed and taken into

account in

conjunction with any design issues. The size, design and use

of the

building must be matched appropriately to its plumbing system.

A

qualified third party should review these specifications.

5. Materials

Any potentially moisture-sensitive materials should be

identified during

the initial design and then shipped, packaged, stored and

installed

appropriately so as to shield them from elements.

6. Final Design/Construction Documents Approval

The final design, which includes moisture and mold prevention

measures

must be approved by the building owner/developer's

representative.

7. Construction Verification

The construction site and ongoing building must be inspected by

a

qualified third party at least once every three months. These

inspections include all materials deemed moisture sensitive;

ensuring

they are not installed prior to the building being sealed or,

at least,

temporarily covered.

8. Operations and Maintenance Training Plans

Building and maintenance personnel should be trained in

preventing,

spotting and reporting moisture incidents.

9. Acceptance

An authorized third party should formally inspect the property

to ensure

it meets overall requirements. This onsite inspection includes

all

appliances, pipes, drains and other areas where condensation

occurs. The

certification can then be obtained.

10. Ongoing Inspections

The property should be inspected at least four times during the

first

year of occupancy and on an ongoing basis in the following

years.

For more information on the GREENGUARD Mold Protection Program, call

800.789.0419 or write to mold@....

About the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry

independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD

Certification Program. As an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer,

the GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor

products, environments and buildings. The Institute's goal is to

improve public health and quality of life through programs that

improve indoor air. For more information, go to www.greenguard.org.

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Source: GREENGUARD Environmental Institute