Knowledge Is Key To Controlling Moisture And Mold (NAPSA)—Askyourarchitect, builder, contractor or the remodeler working on your new family room about the biggest challenge they are facing these days. Chancesare, the answer will have something to do with moisture and mold. Virtually all construction materials, from carpeting and fabric to glass fiber insulation, lumber and drywall, can become breeding grounds for the growth of mold. The key element for such growth is the presence of moisture, which can result from a number of sources during a building’s construction and even after it’s occupied. For example, the use of wet building materials, plumbingsystem leaks, condensation from air conditioning systems and even minor job site flooding can leave remnants of moisture in a specific area. Because moisture control has become such a critical issue for the construction industry during the past several years, architects, builders, contractors and remodel- ers are using every tool in their arsenals to minimize such problems. The most effective and economical strategy is to protect building materials and equipment from exposure to moisture during transportation, storage, construc- tion and after completion of the building envelope. As the construction industry and health experts grapple with the breadth and depth of the issue, as well as the potential health concerns it can pose, building material manufacturers are responding with new products that minimize moisture and mold. United States Gypsum Company, which invented drywall, has introduced a new lineof wallboard called SHEETROCK Brand HuMITEK Gypsum Panels. The A new type of gypsum panel can help prevent the growth of mold. panels are moisture- and moldresistant from front to back, and are designed specifically for use in interior areas susceptible to moist conditions. Unlike other types of moistureand mold-resistant gypsum panels, these panels are installed and finished in a traditional manner— without the need for additional steps that require extra labor. Recognizing and addressing moisture in the building envelope is nothing new to U.S. Gypsum. In 1983, the company introduced Durock Brand Cement Board for use in wet environments, and in 2000 it developed FIBEROcK Brand Underlayment and sheathing products with AQuA-TOUGH waterresistant technology. After carefully studying the moisture and mold issue, U.S. Gypsum has developed a number of informative resources on the subject and created a special section on its Web site (www.usg.com) devoted to moisture and mold. Homeowners can also call (800) USG-4YOUfor more information.
