US
Green Building Council Compliant
Programs that Prevent Indoor Mold & Allergen
Growth in New Construction
The
most effective strategy to minimize microbial growth problems
in new construction is to consider microbial prevention
a key part of the design, construction and facility management
process – on the same level of importance as building
code requirements, functionality, schedule and budget.
Our
experts provide invaluable guidance for identifying potential
moisture and/or condensation problems early on to reduce
the cost of changes in design and construction and diminish
the potential for construction defects.
An onsite mold loss prevention program with weekly visits and reports provides detailed documentation:
- That the building was mold free prior to C.O., therefore any mold growth problems happened after occupancy.
- Excellent documentation is also of tremendous value proving responsibility for losses from water damage during construction ... whether in support of insurance disputes and/or back charges or legal claims against subcontractors for defective workmanship.
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Our
program is fully compliant with the US Green Building Council
LEED program. We have on staff, full-time LEED Accredited
Professionals to provide consulting as well as on-site performance
monitoring in the areas of LEED Indoor Environmental Quality
(EQ) credits related to mold and microbial issues for buildings
under new construction (NC) and existing buildings (EB).
 Because of our leadership and innovation in green building practices, Certified Mold & Allergen Free is one of the few companies in the country to have been appointed as a USGBC Approved Green Building Education Provider. See our Green Building web site at: www.Green-Buildings.org.
Consolidate
Microbial Prevention into a Single Process
Through our Mold & Allergen Free Certification Program™, we
offer preventative measures to assist developers, owners,
architects and designers, HVAC and drywall subcontractors,
lenders, insurers and facility managers in their efforts
to minimize microbial growth and to provide comfortable
and healthful living and work environments.
A key advantage of the program is the close working relationship
between Certified Mold & Allergen Free (CMAF) building scientists and
the building owner's design, construction and facility management
teams.
Among
the program's key features:
- Consolidate
moisture management (including condensation from insulation
problems and/or unplanned air flow) into a single process
that improves design and construction efficiency;
- Provide
support for the position that all involved in a building
program are progressive providers of high quality construction;
- Facilitate
competitive, affordable rates for mold insurance.
- Program
is compliant with US Green Building LEED EQ as well as ID
credits.
Program
Basics for High Rise Residential & Commercial Structures:
Buildings
should be regularly inspected during construction and pre-
and post-occupancy for problems or potential problems. The
following are a few suggestions:
-
Review the design of the building in high-risk areas.
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Water
and mold-resistant materials and sealants in high-risk
areas reduce risk.
-
Protect
roof penetrations during construction and seal penetrations
between floors as tightly as possible.
-
Mold
prone materials should be kept clean and dry. And such
materials as well as the entire structure should be kept
well ventilated during construction.
-
Drywall
should be hung off of the floor as recommended by the
Gypsum Industry Association.
-
Air
ducts should be sealed during construction to keep them
clean as recommended by Smacna.
-
HVAC
ducting and coolant line insulation should be checked
to make sure they are properly installed to avoid condensation
drips.
-
HVAC
systems should be checked to make sure the return air
ducting and air filtration system are carefully sealed
to avoid moist air and/or contaminants entering system
during operation.
-
HVAC
systems should be checked to make sure the supply air
duct system is carefully sealed to avoid pressuring crawl
spaces and potentially pushing "stale" air into
the residence or office and/or causing sweating and resultant
mold in attic and crawl spaces.
-
Double
check shower drain pans for leaks... before cabinets are
installed.
-
Routinely
inspect the construction site using an infrared thermographic
camera to ensure that it is kept as dry as possible.
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When
there are water events and resultant microbial contamination
during construction, use environmentally appropriate procedures
to remove the contamination on exposed surfaces as well
as hidden areas in wall, ceiling, and/or shaft cavities.
-
Document
compliance with proper microbial-free construction design
as well as appropriate water damage cleanup and restoration
techniques.
-
Conduct
final acceptance testing just prior to occupancy.
-
Issue
Mold Free Certificates
About
USGBC
The
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation's foremost
coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry
working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible,
profitable and healthy places to live and work. Our more
than 7,200 member organizations and our network of more
than 80 regional chapters are united to advance our mission
of transforming the building industry to sustainability.
Core
Purpose
The U.S. Green Building Council's core purpose is to transform
the way buildings and communities are designed, built and
operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible,
healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality
of life.
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