Protecting Walls From Mold Growth (NAPSA)—Here’s an equation some homeowners knowall too well: heat + humidity + poorly ventilated rooms = mold growth on housewalls. Mold and mildew growth can damage painted walls and even penetrate to the underlying surface—requiring repairs that many insurance policies do not cover. Fortunately there are ways homeowners can help keep mold off their walls—without getting floored by highprices. For example, a new type of wall and ceiling paint resists mold growth and actually reduces undesirable radiant heat transfer. That means the paint keeps homes cooler and more comfortable, while energy savings add up. The paint, called Radiance”, wasrecently tested for mold resistance by an independent laboratory. Using standard test methods, researchers painted two gypsum wallboard panels with Radiance flat and egg-shell paints respectively, then put the panels into accelerated-mold-growth environmental chambersfor 28 days. Both finishes received perfect 10 ratings, indicating no mold growth and no surface disfigurement. Contractors say the paint’s proven mold resistance makesit a good choice for homes in humid climates and for damp rooms, which can include kitchens, bath- rooms and basements. However, many consumers are just as impressed with the money the paint can save them in energy costs. Denied Certain types of paint can help protect your home from mildew. The latex paint’s patented formula creates what’s called a “lowemissivity barrier.” It keeps radiant heat where homeowners want it. In summer months, Radiance- painted walls and ceilings block up to 30 percent of the sun’s radiant energy from entering a house. In the winter, the paint reduces the loss of radiant heat through interior walls by up to 30 percent. As a result, rooms stay more comfortable, so there’s less need for air conditioning and heating. Overall, the paint can help lower cooling/heating costs by three to five percent in a typical homeor building. The award-winning paint looks, applies and cleans up like ordinary latex paint. It comes in ceiling white, plus flat and egg-shell finishes available in 76 decorator colors. For more information, call 1- 800-766-6776 or go to the Website www.radiancecomfort.com.
