Why is mold becoming such a problem throughout the country – even in new construction?
A. Even though mold has always been a bit of a problem, particularly in damper climates, it has been exacerbated in new construction because of building techniques. In traditional stick-built homes, the desire to become as energy efficient as possible has dominated outside wall building techniques. Not only are the walls insulated, generally with fiberglass bat insulation but they are also wrapped with plastic – on the inside as well as the outside. This has a tendency to create a “terrarium effect” inside the wall, trapping moisture – a perfect breeding place for mold growth. With an ICF wall, there is absolutely no room or opportunity for mold to develop.
