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Typar Weather Protection System Specified for State-of-the-Art PATH Mold Safe Model Home ProjectFirst-of-its-kind Home Showcases Health and Financial Benefits of Mold Prevention and Energy Efficiency in New Construction
(OLD HICKORY, Tenn.) May 30, 2007 - Mold growth inside the walls of homes and commercial buildings affects not only the health of the occupants, but could also dampen the reputation of insurance companies, building contractors, banks, architects and homeowner associations. With this in mind, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) and its partners teamed with the Environmental Assurance Group to build the Mold Safe Model Home, a model home that will showcase various techniques and products that will help prevent mold in new construction. PATH, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and America's homebuilding industry, is focused on designing and building a technological vision for homes in the United States.
Construction of the Mold Safe Model Home is expected to be completed by this summer.
Construction on the project began in October 2006 in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, an area where temperatures can reach 100 degrees in the summer and sink to 20 or more degrees below zero in the winter. Since the MSMH location is lakeside, the structure will be subject to heavy amounts of moisture along with a wide seasonal humidity range. Therefore, it was vital that materials specified for the project be strong, moisture-resistant, energy-efficient products that are able to endure such extreme weather conditions.
To help keep moisture out during and after construction, the Typar(R) Weather Protection System was chosen to guard the Mold Safe Model Home from the damaging impact and energy-robbing effects of moisture penetration and air infiltration.
According to Bob Dahl, marketing director of Typar Construction Products, the combination of Typar housewrap, flashings, construction tape and roofwrap provides an essential balance of water holdout and moisture vapor transmission which significantly reduces the chances of water infiltration into sheathing and wall cavities; a key component of mold growth.
"Mold growth is a serious issue, so we are pleased to be part of such a revolutionary project that will help address this problem for modern construction techniques," says Dahl. "Builders, remodelers and homeowners can be confident that with our Typar Weather Protection System and limited ten year warranty, the home will not be compromised by moisture during or after the construction process."
Charlie Perry, principal of Environmental Assurance Group, says that until recently a model home that featured mold prevention initiatives would not be likely. "With the help of PATH and its partners we are discovering products and building techniques that will be instrumental in protecting homes from mold infestation," says Perry.
"PATH identifies the latest technologies that will help improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency and affordability of America's housing," says Assistant Secretary Darlene F. Williams of HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research. "The Mold Safe Model Home and its components address those issues, and we're happy Typar and other PATH Partners participated in this valuable project."
Construction of the Mold Safe Model Home is expected to be completed by this summer. The 3,000 square-foot, two-story lakeside home will have a walkout basement, a small roofed side porch and several decks.
About Fiberweb, Inc.
Fiberweb, Inc. manufactures Typar brand housewrap, geotextiles and roofing products. Fiberweb is a $1.1 billion world-leader in the design and manufacture of tailored nonwoven fabric solutions. With global reach from 24 manufacturing sites in 14 countries across the globe, Fiberweb employs the widest range of nonwoven production and treatment technologies to meet demanding customer requirements for service, quality, and flexibility. Fiberweb specializes in the development of innovative products, both independently and in collaboration with customers.
Michael Clark
michael@millerbrooks.com
Miller Brooks, Inc.
11712 N. Michigan Road
Zionsville, IN 46077
317.873.8100
317.873.8110 (fax)
