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Health

Mold Reduction

Scientific studies show that mold in the walls and ceiling of homes substantially raises the risk of a asthma and other respiratory problems and adds $3.5 billion to the annual national health bill.

Transcon Steel’s building system is completely inorganic. Because of the inorganic properties of the EPS and the cold formed steel, there is no food value.

Mold Imact
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Mold is a type of fungus, and at least 1000 varieties of it are common in the U.S. Mold spores can be found most anywhere and they can grow on virtually any substance provided moisture is present. These spores are attracted to the surfaces of wood and wood-based composites like OSB due to the sugars and starches readily available in these substrates. Four conditions are required for mold growth: oxygen, favorable temperature (usually 50-90° F), a source of food (the wood or wood fiber), and moisture. Mold needs a moisture content of at least 20 percent to survive on wood; above 30 percent it thrives. Needless to say, most efforts in controlling mold growth have focused on containing moisture levels. The Transcon Ultra Frame system delivers a building system that is wood-free and contains no food value therefore inhibiting mold growth. The nature of EPS and galvanized cold formed steel make the core components of Ultra Frame the best solution for boat dock construction.

Outdoors, the major challenge is to protect building materials from the elements during shipping, storage and the construction process. Plastic or paper wraps are sometimes utilized on bundles of panel products. They can be effective unless the wraps are torn and moisture gets inside. This can then create a greenhouse effect, accelerating mold growth. In any case, it is virtually impossible to totally protect building materials from rain, snow or humidity before a structure is framed-in.

Indoors, control of moisture is even more problematic. Faulty design, improper construction techniques and plumbing leaks can all result in intrusion of moisture within the building envelope, which in turn can lead to mold growth. Once inside the wall cavity, mold can be difficult if not impossible to totally eradicate. Remediation is expensive and not always effective.

Mold-related claims are also the subject of many lawsuits. Although litigation over mold-related claims reached a high point in 2002, it is by no means fading away. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are currently 10,000 mold-related lawsuits pending in the U. S., and several large, high profile awards have emboldened plaintiffs' attorneys to pursue further litigation, looking at mold as the new asbestos.

Mold continues to create havoc in the insurance industry as well. Claims are piling up due to the mold-related lawsuits and a strong residential real estate market. Premiums across the country have risen from six to fifteen percent per year. Moreover, many insurance companies have added mold exclusion endorsements to their policies, entirely eliminating coverage for loss that consists of or is directly caused by mold.

Mold & Moisture

Another important IEQ factor is the prevention of airborne bacteria, mold, and other fungi through a building envelope design that prevents moisture intrusion. The EPS Molders Association sponsored a test program focusing on EPS and mold resistance in January 2004. EPSMA contracted SGS U.S. Testing Company for test services on EPS applying ASTM C1338, “Standard Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings.” Test samples of Type I ASTM C578/Type 1 CAN/ULC S701, representing a typical product for most building and construction applications, were evaluated. The test subjected the EPS to the following five specific fungi to check for growth:

  • Aspergillus niger
  • Aspergillus versicolor
  • Penicillium funiculosum
  • Chaetomium globosum
  • Aspergillus flavus

EPS Insulation Mold Resistance  

The results show that in a lab under ideal growth conditions, the fungi did not grow.

Although EPS is not impermeable it does have a high degree of resistance to moisture absorption. This controls humidity and air infiltration, which can help prevent the development of mold.