Treatment of New Residential Construction

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New Construction

The presence of mold and mildew growth in and on public homes has become a major public concern and an almost daily news event. The extent and potential seriousness of the health threat posed to the occupants, whether full or part time is difficult to quantify.

It is known that different people exhibit different reactions to specific molds and mildew, some noisome and others intense and possibly life threatening. It is also known that left unchecked, mold and mildew growth can inflict severe physical damage on the residence itself. Health concerns, as well as costs for litigation and remediation have increased the need to develop ways to effectively rid residential structures of existing mold and mildew, and m ore importantly, to prevent its growth in new homes.

Our Concentrate is an EPA-registered (No. 73873-1), of Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC) antimicrobial

Product (A-G),  that safely, economically, and effectively prevents the growth of mold, mildew, algae, and moss for extended periods of time. Unlike the cleaning products currently available to remove spore growth, a major ingredient,  DDAC,  was formulated specifically to prevent the growth from coming back. Applied as a clear liquid, forms a clear, invisible shield that kills fungicidal spores as they try to grow, and dries clear, so it can be used effectively on virtually any inanimate surface without affecting its appearance or inner-coat adhesion of other topical products such as paint or wall coverings. The formula contains an active ingredient of Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium

Chloride (DDAC), which is a quaternary chemical used to clean and disinfect areas contaminated by microbial presence. Until now, the challenge has been, as well as most anti-microbials, tends to leach off treated surfaces very quickly, producing only short-term results. Our formula, however, effectively combines the DDAC with a latex that bonds the active ingredient to the surface and provides time released, cost-effective protection that can last for up to two years on exterior applications and up to five years on interior applications.

It has been successfully field-tested for five years and independently tested by Aerotech Laboratories, one of the premier microbial testing facilities in the country. Our formula has been approved for use by many educational jurisdictions, builders, developers, and facilities, some of which are nationally prominent. Our product has been successfully tested and used in the field by a professional restoration service contractors since 1999.

Formal laboratory testing has been successfully conducted on various materials by independent Aerotech Laboratories, a national leader in the field of mold and mildew testing, as well as the Forestry Division of Oregon State University. Packaged as an industrial strength concentrate, The concentrate is easily diluted on-site with 24 parts water to provide a ready-to-use product. The diluted product yields a material cost of only pennies per square of treated surface. Applied by brush, roller, low-pressure sprayer or non atomizing fogger,  the product quickly dries to a clear, odorless film. The protection continues for as long as the film remains intact. The Concentrate preventative treatment programs are appropriate for new construction, remediation/reconstruction, and as part of on-going maintenance plans. A typical treatment program for new residential properties under construction would include some or all of the following:

Interiors:

Basements or crawl spaces • Electrical and plumbing chases • Ceramic tile and grout • Painted surfaces and carpeting • HVAC air handling equipment and duct work • Both sides of gypsum or other wall cladding systems • All steel, wood or composite structural members including interior face of sheathing, rafters, joists, beams, studs, plates, exposed concrete and masonry, and the paper side of insulation

Exteriors:

Roofing & painted wood work • Concrete flat work (driveways, walks, patios, and pool decks • Walls, retaining walls, hardscape features, and accessories • Exterior wall cladding including all siding materials • Masonry, including many clay products and natural stone

The extent and scope of treatment in new residential construction varies with the basic treatment and the optional packages offered to the owner by the builder or specified by an architect. The protection provided by the treatment during construction may be augmented and extended through contractual preventative cleaning and maintenance services offered by our Certified Applicators. Should an existing residential structure experience growth of mold and mildew, the remediation and restoration efforts should include treatment with our formula to prevent future growth. In most cases, after preventative, maintenance, or remedial application, the residence may be safely occupied within hours of treatment.

Product Specifications

Fragrance: Mild Ethanol

Appearance: Off-white liquid

pH: At use 5-7

Dilution: 24:1 with water

Coverage: One diluted gallon covers from 100-400 square feet depending on surface type/porosity

Packaging: 6 quarts per case, 4 gallons per case, 5 gallon pails, 55 gallon drums

Mold, Mildew, Algae and Moss Preventative

Safety and Handling

When mixing or applying the Concentrate, always carefully follow the recommended safety practices and procedures described on the label and in the Material and Safety Data (MSD) sheet.

Children, the elderly, and pets must not be present during treatment and the drying phase. The finished product dries at about the same rate as water, so the drying time is relatively fast. As a precautionary measure, children, especially toddlers, should be kept away from the treated area for 2-4 hours after application.

Precautions:

• Wear latex or rubber gloves and eye protection

• Use a face shield if applying overhead

• A Tyvek suit may also be worn

• Use a respirator when applying in confined spaces or where product may become airborne

• Avoid splashing or dripping the product on yourself or others

First Aid Measures

Eyes: Immediately wash eyes with clean water for at least 20 minutes. Call a physician immediately.

Skin: Remove contaminated clothing.Wash effected area with soap and water. Most soaps neutralize Anti-Growth® Concentrate.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If swallowed, call a physician or poison control center immediately. Promptly drink a large quantity of milk, egg whites, gelatin solution, or if these are not available, drink large quantities of water. Avoid alcohol. Follow doctor’s instructions.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If not breathing, clear airway and start mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration or use air bag-mask respirator. Get immediate medical attention. Transport to medical area. If available, give supplemental oxygen.

Storage

Both the concentrate and the finished product should be stored in its original container or other suitable clearly-marked, closed container. Store in a safe place, away from direct sunlight or high heat and protect against freezing. Keep an MSD sheet in the storage area. 

Mixing The Concentrate

Always mix using the water to the concentrate dilution ratio printed on the label. Five (5) ounces per gallon of solution has proven to be an effective and dependable dilution. Adding extra Concentrate increases cost but does not enhance performance and may be in violation local ordinance or law. Always mix  in a clean container, or pump-up sprayer. Never mix Anti-Growth® with other chemicals, as potentially dangerous reactions could pose a safety threat.

Application Pressure and Coverage

  • Apply the finished product to lumber, concrete, metal, vinyl or plastic, Cool Deck, masonry, or painted surfaces at approximately 15 psi.

  • Apply product to the paper side of insulation at approximately 2 psi with a gentle, fan-type mist. Allow the product to coat the paper surface without breaking or soaking through.

  • Apply product to drywall at approximately 8–10 psi.

  • Apply to HVAC ductwork through a fogger.

  • Apply product to non-porous, hard surfaces, at the rate of up to 200 square feet per diluted gallon.

  • Apply product to highly porous surfaces, untreated lumber, and any surfaces of questionable integrity at a rate of no more than 100 square feet per diluted gallon. 

Exposed Surface Variances & Applications

  • All surfaces to be treated with our product should be cleaned, rinsed (to remove all residual chlorine or soap) and dry before application, except as noted under structural wood.

  • Structural steel should be clean and free of foreign matter.

  • Structural wood, including plywood, particle board, OSB, rafters, joists, beams, plates, headers, etc., should be clean, free of mold and mildew, and dry before treatment. If any wood structural component has visible mold and/or mildew, it may be treated with a 12:1 dilution of our product in lieu of cleaning, provided that the material will not be visible after construction is completed. (Our formula will kill the existing mold and mildew, but will not bleach out the black stain.)

  • Concrete walkways and driveways infested with mold should be cleaned, flushed with water (to remove any residual chlorine) and allowed to dry before application of our product. Very porous surfaces require heavier application and may need more frequent retreatment.

  • Exterior surfaces not exposed to sunlight will require more frequent retreatment.

  • Fiberglass roofing shingles must be thoroughly cleaned of mold and soil, fully rinsed, and dried prior to application.

  • Clay or faux brick exterior surfaces should be clean and dry prior to application. (If brick is extremely porous, it may be desirable to seal the brick before treating with )

  • Steel or aluminum awnings and sidewalk coverings should be free of debris, clean, and dry prior to application.

  • Fabric-covered furniture or awnings should be clean, free of bleach and soaps, and dry prior to application.

  • Aluminum or steel door and window frames must be clean and dry prior to application.

  • Carpeted areas must be clean, dry, free of dirt, and other particulate matter. After application, carpet must remain traffic-free until dry.

  • Masonry and stone should be treated the same as concrete surfaces. (Note - real or faux stone surfaces may have been previously treated with a variety of sealants.) Smooth, sealed stone surfaces may require more frequent treatment.

  • Ceramic tile surfaces are the most problematic of all finished surfaces.

Spores will not generally adhere to glazed tile, but will grow in grout. All grout should be treated, and then sealed with a quality grout sealant for best results. When applied to shower stall tiled walls, product must generally be reapplied every 6-8 months.

HVAC Systems:
The product can be applied through HVAC systems using a simple, soot-sealing method of delivery. Mix  the concentrate as directed at approximately 5 fluid ounces per gallon of solution and transfer to a CLEAN soot sealing blower. Place dry cheesecloth over outlets at far end of duct runs. Turn on air handler and place nozzle of applicator in air stream. Switch on blower and apply at a fine mist until all cheese cloth at duct extremities become wet. Completely clean soot-sealing tank with neutral cleaner and thoroughly rinse with water. Add soot sealer product to tank and apply normally. Allow all ductwork to dry before running HVAC system.

Dwell – Drying Time

Drying times vary due to environmental conditions, interior humidity, moisture challenges, and a host of other factors. If contents have been moved to make application possible, allow all surfaces to completely dry prior to resetting.

Re-Occupation of Treated Area

Do not re-occupy any area while treated surfaces are still damp. Do not re-occupy any areas, or allow children, or pets to occupy any area until all moisture associated with treatment is completely dry.