Molds are microscopic organisms that digest organic matter in order to reproduce. There are more than 100,000 species of mold in the world.

In nature, mold plays a key role in the decomposition of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Indoors, however, mold causes a variety of serious health issues and structural damage. When excessive moisture accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem goes unnoticed or is not properly addressed.

The costs incurred in mold clean up are substantial. Average remediation costs have risen to over $150 per square foot, and the expense doesn't end there. The number of lawsuits being filed alleging injuries, health problems and or damages caused by toxic mold continue to increase.

With these multi-million dollar cases the number of defendants can be numerous. Contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, property managers, architects, construction component suppliers and building owners have all been targeted in toxic mold lawsuits.

Unfortunately, there is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores once they have begun to grow. Instead, care must be taken to control mold growth indoors.

The THERMOMASS Building System can help control moisture build up within an insulated concrete building. By creating a building envelope that is both thermally efficient and moisture resistant, THERMOMASS helps impede mold growth by eliminating thermal short circuits, air infiltration and condensation on the exterior walls. No moisture means no mold or mildew.

How is this done?

The THERMOMASS Building Insulation System utilizes Dow STYROFOAM brand insulation which won’t absorb and hold moisture like some other insulation systems. This quality helps prevent condensation build up and the subsequent growth of mold.

The THERMOMASS Building Insulation System also addresses the moisture accumulation issue through its design. THERMOMASS uses edge-to-edge and opening-to-opening insulation in its insulated concrete sandwich walls, which eliminates thermal bridges and takes away the possibility of moisture build-up inside the walls.

The CTC technical services department works closely with architects and engineers to implement THERMOMASS into the facility’s design and to ensure the proper installation of the THEROMASS Building Insulation System into the building.