GET THE FACTS ~ Healing Homes Guru

My homes are designed to do things differently. We can’t ever truly seal a home—water always finds a way—so instead I fully ventilate and holistically design for Health first, confident that as we do, energy efficiency, comfort, and moisture control WILL follow.

Our tools to build a moisture-regulating home? Natural unadulterated building materials of high thermal mass finished with materials that are highly hygroscopic, in a building envelope designed with “flow through” walls that, like our skin, protects from the elements while allowing water vapor to escape. When combined with a radiant heat source and adequate insulation, this is the best way to build healthy, ‘mold-free’ homes.

HOW TO REMEDIATE MOLD

No matter how hard we try though, sometimes mold happens and remediation is required. In these instances, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The very first step to remediation is to first identify ALL sources of moisture. Removal

of mold

will be ineffective if moisture sources are not totally eliminated first; 2. Before attempting mold removal, contain the area to prevent cross-contamination; 3. Begin remediation by removing all porous material and dry all other material for 48 to 72 hours. Use dehumidification equipment if required; 4. Sand or wire brush any visible mold growth; 5. HEPA vacuum all surfaces; and 6. When removing mold from non-porous surfaces, try to avoid bleach. Instead try natural alternatives like distilled vinegar, tea tree oil, or hydrogen peroxide. Keep in mind that when some homes advertise or brag about their “mold-resistant” drywall, these materials are not “mold-proof.” A lot of mold resistant drywall gets that way by adding chemicals during manufacture. These microbial additions are rarely identified by the manufacturer and often thought to be carcinogenic and mutagenic—just another example of how builders and manufacturers of building products try to make their homes “healthier” by adding more chemicals . And that is precisely what my homes are trying to avoid.