USG Moisture, Mold, and Construction Practices Frequently Asked Questions - Manual (Page 3)

12. What else is USG doing to address USG’s efforts to address these issues fall into three categories:
the issues of moisture and mold Research Perform ongoing research to better understand the impact of construction practices, moisture, and
growth? mold on our products and systems.
Assistance Provide assistance to respected authorities and associations to aid in developing a broader understanding
of construction systems and appropriate test methods for those systems.
Education Educate those who are involved in the manufacture, distribution, installation and maintenance of building
products and systems, as well as building owners and occupants, on central issues pertaining to moisture and mold.
These issues include product safety, materials storage and handling, good design and construction practices, moisture
management, and proper building maintenance.
13. Who can help me decide if USG actively participates in educating our customers about the proper design, specification, installation and
I have a problem on my job site? maintenance of our products. We have a variety of internal and external resources to help you make appropriate
decisions regarding conditions on your projects. However, USG does not offer inspection or mold testing services.
14. Is moisture content a critical Yes. We precisely control moisture to ensure that the product meets our stringent performance standards.
element in the gypsum board However, once a building material begins its journey to a project, environmental conditions can sometimes make it
manufacturing process? difficult to control moisture content. For that reason, we offer comprehensive transport, storage, handling,
application, finishing and maintenance recommendations that clearly advise keeping our products clean and dry.
For details, please refer to the USG Gypsum Construction Handbook.
15. What is the acceptable moisture Currently, there is not an industry standard for measuring gypsum board moisture content at a job site. Addressing
content for gypsum board on the overall moisture impact on the entire project is the appropriate approach. Moisture can affect not only
a job site? installation, but also the finished appearance of a gypsum board partition or ceiling. At every point in the construc-
tion process, minimizing moisture exposure is the key to maximizing the performance of the finished assembly.
16. What are the basics of dealing It is important to dry water-damaged areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. In all situations, immediately
with the affected area? identify and address the cause of water damage to prevent re-occurence of the problem. For more information
please refer to USG’s “Moisture, Mold and Construction Practices: Repairing Water-Damaged Building Systems”
(WB2315).
17. Who does USG recommend USG does not offer company endorsements for remediation at this time. However, we suggest reviewing
for assistance in cleaning “Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments” from the New York City
affected areas? Department of Health Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology. These guidelines are
available at nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.shtml. Another helpful resource is the IICRC S520, “Standard
and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation,” from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification. This reference is available at iicrc.org/iicrcstandards.shtml.
18. Who can I call if I want For more information about the health effects of mold exposure and information on the safe removal of mold,
more information? visit responsiblemoldsolutions.org or contact your state university Extension Services.
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