Choosing resistant building materials is essential to keep your home free from mold and its harmful effects. Mold growth on any structure can create serious problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and deterioration of the building. High-quality mold resistant building materials are becoming more and more common to use in new builds and in remodels and repairs.
There are two types of building materials that can play a role in your mold prevention strategy.
The first are actual mold resistant building materials, and the second are moisture resistant building materials. It is important to look for materials that are certified by institutions that monitor environmental impact, such as Greengaurd and the LEED Green Building Rating System, to ensure they are treated with non-toxic chemicals.
Always choose materials based on their location, compatibility with other materials, and their ability to drain and dry. Building a mold-resistant home is essential to keeping your family and home healthy.
Best Mold Resistant Building Materials Available Today
Looking for the best mold resistant building materials? Here’s a guide to help you choose the right materials for your construction project.
- Brick: Brick is naturally resistant to mold due to its high pH content and ability to absorb moisture.
- Linoleum: Experts recommend linoleum for its durability and resistance to moisture.
- Tile: Tile is resistant to moisture and can be an effective barrier against mold growth.
- Moisture Resistant vs Mold Resistant Building Materials: Moisture-resistant materials can be helpful in preventing mold growth, but mold-resistant materials are specifically treated to prevent mold.
- Mold Resistant Wood: Look for wood that has been treated with anti-mold fungicide, like FrameGuard® mold-resistant wood.
By choosing the right materials and taking proactive steps to prevent moisture buildup, you can help protect your construction projects from mold growth in the long run.
Brick
Brick is a durable, long-lasting material that is naturally resistant to mold. However, not all brick is created equal. When choosing brick for a mold-resistant building, look for brick with a low absorption rate and good drainage to prevent moisture accumulation. According to the Brick Industry Association, some types of brick that are particularly mold-resistant include:
- “Hard-fired, dense” brick
- “Low-absorption” brick
- Brick with “integral water repellents”
Additionally, it is important to properly install and maintain the brick to prevent moisture from seeping in. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, “To control moisture entry, all exterior masonry walls should have through-wall flashing at the base of the wall, above grade masonry, and at all rooflines and projections.” By choosing the right type of brick and installing it correctly, a building can have a strong defense against mold growth.
Linoleum
Linoleum is a great building material to consider if you want to prevent mold growth. It is made of natural materials like linseed oil, resin, cork dust, and wood flour. Here are some reasons why linoleum is mold-resistant:
- Linoleum is water-resistant and does not allow water to be absorbed easily, which makes it hard for mold to grow.
- It is durable and long-lasting, which means that you don’t have to replace it frequently, preventing mold growth that occurs due to dampness and moisture.
- Linoleum does not contain any harmful chemicals or VOCs that can contribute to mold growth.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, linoleum is rated as highly resistant to mold growth. That is why linoleum is often used in places like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where moisture levels are high. So, if you’re building or remodeling your home, consider linoleum as a mold-resistant building material.
Tile
- Use porcelain or ceramic tile instead of natural stone, as they are non-porous and less likely to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold growth.
- Install tile using a waterproof adhesive, and use grout that is specifically designed to resist mold and mildew. This will help prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor or walls.
- Choose larger-sized tiles, which will create fewer grout lines and therefore reduce the risk of mold growth.
- Consider using tile in moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. This will help prevent mold from growing on walls or floors.
- “Using tile as a building material is a great way to prevent mold growth,” says Heidi Hill, an adjunct faculty of interdisciplinary studies at Lesley University. “It’s important to properly install the tile using waterproof adhesive and mold-resistant grout to ensure its effectiveness.”
By following these simple tips, you can use tile as an effective and mold resistant building material in your home.
Types of Building Materials with Mold Resistant Properties
When it comes to building materials, choosing mold-resistant options can go a long way in preventing mold growth in homes. Here are some options to consider:
- Mold-resistant drywall, such as the brand CertainTeed, is made with fiberglass instead of paper and contains anti-microbial agents to prevent mold growth.
- Moisture-resistant gypsum board, such as the brand DensArmor Plus, has a fiberglass mat backing that resists moisture and mold growth.
- Mold-resistant wood, such as the brand FrameGuard, is treated with anti-mold fungicides to prevent mold growth.
- Cement board, such as the brand HardieBacker, is a durable and moisture-resistant option for bathrooms and kitchens.
Remember to look for products certified by environmental institutions and always prioritize proper moisture control in your home. Prevent moisture, run your HVAC system, and use mold resistant building materials. These three steps will go a long way towards preventing mold growth in homes.
Moisture Resistant vs Mold Resistant Building Materials
To-proof a home, it is crucial to choose the right building materials. There are two types of building materials that play a role in your mold prevention strategy: actual mold-resistant building materials and moisture-resistant building materials. Actual mold-resistant building materials prevent mold due to how they were manufactured or what they were treated with, while moisture-resistant building materials may resist water and flooding to some degree.
However, some moisture-resistant building materials actually inhibit drying. Choose materials based on location, their compatibility with other types of materials, and their ability to drain and dry. Look for materials certified by institutions that monitor environmental impact, such as Greenguard and the LEED Green Building Rating System, to ensure they are safe and eco-friendly. Don’t fall for the clever marketing scam of pressure-treated lumber; instead, opt for anti-mold wood that has been treated with an anti-mold fungicide.
Mold Resistant Wood: An Eco-Friendly Option
Looking for an eco-friendly building material that is also mold-resistant? Mold-resistant wood is the perfect option! Here are some tips to help you use this material in your home construction projects:
- Choose the right type of mold-resistant wood, such as cedar or redwood, which are naturally resistant to mold and moisture.
- Use pressure-treated wood for areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Seal the wood with an appropriate sealant to prevent moisture from penetrating.
- Make sure the wood is properly ventilated to reduce the risk of mildew and mold growth.
- Maintain your mold-resistant wood by regularly cleaning and inspecting it for signs of damage or decay.
As the quote goes, “Going green doesn’t start with doing green acts — it starts with a shift in consciousness.” Use mold-resistant wood to make your home eco-friendly and prevent mold growth for a healthier living environment.
Building a Mold-Resistant Home: Tips and Tricks
To build a mold-resistant home, it is important to follow certain tips and tricks.
Firstly, ensure that your home is well-ventilated and use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels, especially in hot and humid climates. Regularly clean and maintain roof gutters, AC unit drip pans and drainage lines.
Secondly, use mold-resistant construction products such as mold-resistant drywall, treated paint with an EPA-registered fungicide, mold-resistant insulation, wood treated with anti-mold chemicals, and mold-resistant trim caulk and sealant.
Keep construction materials dry and mold-free before installation and watch for defects that may lead to leaks or water entry. Grade the land down and away from the home’s foundation and install a thick, high-quality moisture barrier underneath concrete slabs or basement floors. Do not use regular plastic sheeting.
Finally, pre-inspect cellulose-based materials for mold growth and stains prior to use. Remember, the key to mold control is moisture control.