Silver News

Silver Ions in House Frames Helps Resist Mold and Mildew

Protective coatings maker EnviroCare has teamed with PrimeTECH, a company that produces machine-coated products, to manufacture ‘D.O.A.,’ a factory finish system for silver-ion imbedded lumber that resists mildew and mold.

The process allows EnviroCare's proprietary silver-ion coating technology to be applied directly to structural framing lumber during high volume production. "The system enables timely delivery of a mold and moisture resistant coated endproduct to production builders without interrupting their time sensitive production cycle. Until now, there have been limited options other than subcontract field applicators. Now we can deliver the finished product directly to the jobsite," says Eric Churchill, principal of PrimeTECH.

Mold and mildew has plagued the building industry for years. Typically, these microbes grow inside wall cavities, and sometimes become visible through painted or papered walls. The source of the problem is often found when mold makes its way from the wood framed wall cavity into the living area. Although it mostly goes undetected, a mold problem is usually identified when a construction defect or water intrusion problem is under repair. Occupants of homes and buildings with chronic mold problems generally complain of respiratory, allergy, or asthma related illnesses. The conditions can be worsened when heating and air conditioning pathways distribute these spores, releasing mycotoxins throughout the building. "As public awareness increases, architects and builders are realizing the demand for more mold resistant materials,” notes Bryan Redler, President of EnviroCare.

D.O.A. is available to homeowners and contractors through lumber wholesale and retail lumber supply outlets.

Silver News - Third Quarter 2005