| Ihe folloing is an excerpt from the August issue of concrete masonry Designs,
published by the National Concrete Masonry Association. |
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Molds are a type oi fungus, microscopic plants that spread by means of airborne spores,
just as other plants propagate from seeds. Mold can grow anywhere moisture, oxygen and a
food source are available. If the surface on which mold has begun to grow is paper or wood,
the mold will often continue to feed on that food source until the product has to be replaced.
This is not the case when mold comes to rest on concrete, which does not provide an organic food source.
Damage Can Be High
Schools across the country continue to struggle with outbreaks of mold and the accompanying disruptions,
repair bills and health worries. If conditions are right, mold will develop and spread. In the most serious
instances, they've disrupted the school year, generated lawsuits and resulted in repair bills in the hundreds
of thousands of dollars. For an architect or contractor, it can mean litigation and a professional black eye.
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 Mold Can Be Discouraged
Mold growth can be discouraged. When coupled with proper detailing, quality materials and good workmanship,
mold infestation can be virtually eliminated. Unlike organic building products, concrete block is not a food
source for mold. While block can accumulate dirt and debris, which can breed mold, it can be cleaned and put
back to work. Other mold-damaged materials often have to be replaced.
"Prevention, rather than repair, is the key to successful building construction.
Masonry provides a level of protection found in no other product."
- Christopher Huckabee, School Construction News,
March/April 2003.
For additional information on Fire and/Or Mold Issues contact your Oldcastle Architectural sales representative.
For details on scheduled Continuing Education Seminars, visit www.oldcastle.com
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