September 18, 2006

Environmental Matters

Paul Hargest

Mould preventable yet common issue

Health Canada estimates Canadians spend almost 90 per cent of their time indoors, underlining the importance of good indoor air quality in keeping Canadians healthy. Air quality can be affected by a number of variables, with one of the most common contributors to poor air quality being mould.

Mould is a highly preventable — yet surprisingly common — problem. As an industry, we are in the unique position of being able to stop mould problems before they begin by selecting building materials that will work to maintain good air quality, and not endanger it.

Research shows in recent years there has been a shift towards the use of inexpensive building materials in part to help decrease building costs. While these materials may offer cost savings up front, they can have a devastating effect on the health of our communities.

Masonry products are the best choice for preventing mould growth because masonry veneer wall systems offer superior moisture management and do not provide a food source. Concrete block in particular has been instrumental in ensuring buildings remain mould-free.

The increased use of materials such as vinyl or metal siding and exterior insulated finishing systems (EIFS) in residential communities may contribute to moisture accumulation in the wall systems and contribute to mould growth by allowing water penetration into the wall system or by inhibiting the drying of moisture to the exterior.

Residential builders and developers can learn from the experience of commercial builders and their use of concrete block. By incorporating masonry materials into the design of homes, not only are you offering homebuyers a more aesthetically pleasing product with superior resale value, you are also providing a healthier, safer home.

Choosing the right cladding materials is imperative to maintaining healthy indoor air quality in our homes and public buildings.

Masonry products offer benefits above and beyond the cost savings associated with alternative claddings. A properly-designed masonry drainage wall system allows moisture to naturally pass through the wall and drain out the weep-hole system. This means the moisture is contained in the cavity and never penetrates the vapour/air barrier, protecting the inside of a building or home from mould.

As an industry, our responsibility is not only to ensure housing and public buildings are structurally sound and pleasing to look at, but they must also be healthy places to live and work.

Making the right choice when it comes to building materials is a simple and effective way to ensure we do exactly that.

Paul Hargest is second vice president of MasonryWorx, president of CCMPA and president of Boehmer Block Inc. MasonryWorx is an industry association representing Ontario’s masonry product manufacturers, suppliers and skilled professionals.

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