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Mold Resistant Coatings Recommended

By following the simple phrase: clean, kill and coat,” property owners who are getting back on their feet after this year’s unusually active hurricane season can prevent recurring mold and mildew problems, say Troy Anderson, senior technical adviser at Foster Products, the technological leader in mold and mildew-resistant coatings.

“ Anytime flooding or storm-related water damage has occurred, there’ s a good chance for mold growth, Anderson says. “What happens is, walls and wall cavities get absolutely soaking wet and if you don’t get in there and properly clean and treat it immediately, mold can grow very quickly – in as little as 24 to 48 hours.”

Mold and mildew are plant—like organisms collectively known as fungi. All it takes to support mold growth is a food source, ample moisture, ward temperatures and a lack of sunlight. Examples of mold food sources include wall cavities, ceiling tile, drywall and air conditioning ducts. Structural damage from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, accompanied by heavy rains in many locations, has created perfect mold growth conditions.

In addition to being unsightly, exposure to mold at home or the workplace can contribute to health problems for people with allergies or sensitivity to fungi, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms may include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation or wheezing.

Foster Products recommends a three-step process for successful mold treatment and prevention.

Step one: “Clean.” Open and thoroughly dry the affected area. As the area is drying, remove all mold and surface contamination. For large-scale projects, sandblasting or dry ice blasting technology may be useful.

Step one: “Clean.” Open and thoroughly dry the affected area. As the area is drying, remove all mold and surface contamination. For large-scale projects, sandblasting or dry ice blasting technology may be useful.

Step two: “Kill.” Sanitize the affected area. Use of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant/cleaner, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, will help eliminate active mold growth and remove the seeds, called spores, from the treated surface.

Step three: “Coat.” Apply a tested, mold-resistant surface coating to ensure long-term protection against future mold and mildew growth.

Anderson says property owners should use extra care when choosing coatings to protect against the return of mold and mildew growth.

Anderson says property owners should use extra care when choosing coatings to protect against the return of mold and mildew.

According to Anderson, it’s also important to ensure the right mold-resistant coatings are used for the job at hand. He says not all coatings work on all surfaces and it’s best to use coatings engineered for specific applications, such as walls and air conditioning ducts.

“ It’s bad enough to suffer through a disaster and then take on all of the challenges involved with the recovery process, Anderson says. “The last thing a person needs is an ongoing mold and mildew problem, which is why it’s important to check whether any remediation contractor follows proper procedures and uses the right technology.”

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