Article Number : 1029 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 5/3/2006 9:25:30 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1029 |
| Abstract | Chicago—Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), a multi-industry association has been formed to ensure builders and homeowners have the most accurate information available on mold and moisture... |
| Article | Chicago—Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), a multi-industry association has been formed to ensure builders and homeowners have the most accurate information available on mold and moisture. While mold has not hit the flooring industry the way asbestos has in terms of forcing manufacturers into bankruptcy protection, many have felt its sting, especially those on the front lines. “Everyone connected with the building industry has a stake in making sure effective solutions are embraced in solving this important problem,” said Robert Daniels, director emeritus of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), one of RSMC’s charter members. In most cases mold issues could have easily been prevented if the various parties involved in the project better understood mold, what causes it and how to control it. While there are volumes of information out there, the problem has been either finding it or trusting its legitimacy. “While five years ago there was a dearth of information on moisture and mold control, just the opposite is true today,” said Frank Nunes, of the International Institute for Lath and Plaster, another charter member. “If anything, the industry suffers from too much information that needs to be evaluated and put into a format that is more useful to both the construction industry and homeowners. That is the role RSMC hopes to play.” Put simply, RSMC’s goal is to be a one-stop shop on data, thinking, and everything relating to controlling moisture and mold, including the evaluation of current research. Members made it clear the coalition will not endorse any products or solutions, it will not recommend building codes nor mold standards. “We don’t want to be an advocate, we want to be an information provider, said Donald Mueller, vice president of research and development for USG Corp., which provided a grant to help form the coalition. Our role is to disseminate knowledge, not create it.” He said RSMC has outlined six areas in which it will take an active role: • Maintain a Web site which will serve as a clearinghouse for accurate information on how to control/ prevent mold; • Publish a brochure that will be available through the Web site containing accurate information on the systems approach to mold control; • Host industry forums in which the organization will bring together experts to talk about effective new solutions to fighting mold; • Participate in demonstration projects in which these solutions are applied to fighting mold in a variety of settings; • Publish articles on this subject and make member organizations available to the trade and consumer media for interviews, and • Participate in industry trade shows to broaden the awareness of RSMC and recruit more members. The coalition has already made progress on a number of these points, including the Web site (www. responsibilemoldsolutions.org) and brochure. The 12-page booklet, “Fighting Mold in Your Home or Office: Controlling Moisture Through Better Building Practices,” is directed at both the building industry and consumers by providing an overview of the mold issue, how it can be avoided and what to do if you encounter it. Mueller noted, “If there is one message delivered, it is mold is primarily a moisture control issue.” According to RSMC, preventing the entry of moisture into the home takes a systems approach starting with good architectural design; the use of quality building materials; the manufacture and storage of building materials in a manner that keeps them dry before construction, and good maintenance procedures. TCNA’s Daniels said having all this information in one easy-to-find place and presented in an understandable manner such as RSMC is doing will be of great assistance to everyone. “First and foremost, consumers and business owners will be more satisfied with their homes and buildings; builders can avoid expensive callbacks, warranty claims and even litigation, and the financial community can be assured of the long-term security of the investment it underwrites.” Not counting USG, since its grant is helping to pay for the coalition, of the 10 charter members, TCNA is the only one affiliated with the flooring industry. Representatives of the organization told FCNews that as RSMC moves forward with its initiatives, it intends to get more flooring associations as well as other groups in the building trade involved. “Membership will be key; we want as many areas represented. The wider the scope of our membership the more informed the entire industry can be.” For more information on RSMC, call 773/755-1700. |