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Showcase Home Being Built to Resist Mold
 The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing announced earlier this month that three of its manufacturing partners — CertainTeed, Georgia-Pacific and Typar — are collaborating on a Mold Safe Model Home that will incorporate mold-resistant building practices and materials.
The 3,000-square-foot two-story home will be constructed by PATH builder partner Courtlan Construction on the shores of Spofford Lake in Chesterfield, N.H. and is expected to be completed in July.
The home will be a showcase for building designers, architects, planners and product manufacturers concerned about preventing mold growth in construction.
The project will focus on risk management efforts designed around the development of a new mold prevention protocol focusing on smart building practices, PATH said.
The protocol includes the use of mold-resistant building materials and a thorough inspection process that begins during the design stage and proceeds through the construction cycle and occupancy. The energy efficiency and durability of the building products going into the home have also been taken into consideration.
 “Until recently, the idea of creating a Mold Safe Model Home was simply not feasible,” said Charles Perry, principal of Environmental Assurance Group, a lending and real estate consulting firm that is spearheading the project. “We are partnering with many manufacturers, designers, architects and the financial community to keep mold infestation out of our most important asset — our home.”
Location and climate are tied to the effectiveness of mold-resistance strategies, PATH said, and materials chosen for the home will have to be able to stand up to New England’s wide extremes in weather, with summers capable of reaching almost 100 degrees and winters hitting 20 degrees below zero or colder. The structure is also expected to be subject to heavy amounts of moisture because of its lakeside location.
The installation of the products will be closely monitored.
Additional project sponsors include: American Mold Guard, Benjamin Obdyke Residential Roof and Wall Programs, Bonneville Windows and Doors, Bosch Appliances, Tamaccio Architects; Wastewater Alternatives and the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.
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