6 Mold-Resistant Building Materials to Mold-Proof the Home

Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp, dank or moist environment. It has a white, green or black fuzzy appearance and dusty texture. This fungus will grow anywhere from food to flooring. Mold growth could be hiding behind walls, spreading toxic compounds that lead to health problems.

Any fungal growth in any structure is a serious problem. It will require costly repairs to remove rotted, moldy materials. Reducing the moisture level of a space is also important to prevent mold growth. This too will cost you money.

Avoiding a mold problem starts by prevention. You want to use high-quality, mold-resistant building materials. Don’t cut corners especially if you have small children. Children are extremely sensitive to mold growth. In today’s post, we are listing down mold-resistant building materials to keep your home safe and mold-free:

1. Mold Resistant Wood

Yes, there is such a thing as mold-resistant wood. These wood materials are treated with a fungicide that kill all types of fungus on contact. It will also keep pests – like ants and termites – away. However, do note that some types of mold-resistant wood emit toxic chemicals. We recommend going for mold-resistant wood certified to not release toxic emission in the air for safety.

2. Mold Resistant Insulation

Keep the home fully insulated without making it vulnerable to mold growth. Usually fiberglass is resistant to mold. However, companies are coming out with fiberglass treated with a fungicide. When it comes to choosing the best brand, go for insulation treated with a fungicide that’s registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We recommend digging a little deeper online to see which insulation provides the lowest toxicity.

3. Mold Resistant Dry Wall

Unlike ordinary drywall, a mold-resistant drywall contains fiberglass facing instead of cheaper paper facing. Mold grows on organic materials because the fungus feeds on it. Removing the paper facing eliminates the only organic material in the drywall. While fiberglass facing could still harbor mold, there is a reduced chance of this happening.

4. Mold Resistant Carpet

Even rugs and carpets are not impervious to molds. So going for mold-resistant carpets is a great investment. Unlike ordinary carpets, mold-resistant carpets contain acrylic fibers. Acrylic fibers are more resistant to fungus growth. However, the material isn’t as resilient as ordinary carpet fibers. As such, mold-resistant carpet requires frequent replacement as opposed to ordinary carpets.

5. Mold Resistant Sealant

A mold resistant sealant is a type of protective coating formulated with fungicide and other anti-microbial chemicals. It can be used on various surfaces including wood, stucco and brick. This sealant will resist humid conditions to prevent mold growth.

6. Mold Resistant Paint

Rounding up our list of mold-resistant building materials is mold-resistant paint. Fungal growth usually occurs behind walls. Using a mold-resistant paint should take care of the problem. Do note that if the structure has an existing mold problem, painting it over with mold-resistant paint will not kill the fungus.

In order to maximize its effects, the structure should be 100% mold-free prior to painting. Most brands of mold-resistant paint will retain efficacy for up to five years. Do your research to find out which mold-resistant paint works for your needs and budget.