Two Reasons Mold Does Not Grow in Steel Buildings
As we discussed in the first article, pre-engineered metal buildings do not outgas and pollute indoor air like lumber and wood building materials do.
However, that is only part of the story. Building with steel improves indoor air quality other ways, too.
Steel is Mold Resistant
There are over 100,000 types of mold.
Like all growing things, mold needs two resources to start and flourish: food and water.
Mold and mildew are organic, growing things. They feed on other organic materials. Since steel is inorganic, it provides no food source for mold and mildew to form and spread.
Mold also needs moisture.
Plumbing leaks or high-humidity areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms can supply sufficient water to grow mold on paper-based or wood-based building materials. Steel is inorganic. Mold cannot feed on steel, even in moist conditions.
In addition, all RHINO steel building materials include many waterproofing features to keep external leaks from starting. Every RHINO framing kit comes with formed base trim, die-formed ridge caps, closure strips, and mastic closures for extra waterproofing.
RHINO’s extended life self-drilling cast zinc aluminum screws include a lifetime warranty against rust. All exterior sheathing is attached with these screws and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) washers. Made of a special synthetic compound, these sealing washers provide a waterproof seal. EPDM washers resist ozone and ultraviolet damage, delivering long-lasting protection.
Since steel provides neither food nor water, mold has no place to grow in metal buildings.
Mold Pollutes and Destroys
Mold actually digests wood, paper, and wood products. Over time, mold destroys anything it feeds on. However, health problems inflicted by mold are of even more concern than property damage caused by the devious fungus.
People with allergies, asthma, or with compromised lungs or immune systems, are extremely vulnerable to mold. An estimated 5% of Americans have mold allergies. These individuals can become severely ill from exposure to even tiny amounts of air-born mold spores.
People exposed to high levels of mold for long periods may develop scarring on the lungs. If they are exposed long enough, they may never fully recover.
Indoor air polluted with mold spores may trigger severe attacks in asthmatics. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports 44,000 people have an asthma attack every day.
A baffled Center for Disease Control (CDC) says asthma in children is on the rise— in spite of improved pollution levels. Could it be because today’s “wired” kids spend so much time indoors, on the computer, playing video games, talking on the phone, texting, and watching TV?
A recent survey of children found only 10% now spend time outdoors daily. Perhaps poor indoor air quality is at least partly responsible for the increase in child breathing problems.
Breathe Easier in Mold Free RHINO Steel Buildings
Commercial builders want a mold-free environment for themselves, their employees, and their customers. Residential builders want a mold-free structure for themselves and their families.
The answer is clear: build with steel.
Take a deep breath, and then call a RHINO today at 940.383.9566 for a fast, friendly metal building quote.
Related Blogs:
- Breathe Easier with Metal Buildings- Part 3 (Termite treatment)
- Breathe Easier with Metal Buildings- Part 4 (Noise)
- Breathe Easier with Metal Buildings- Part 5 (Trees)