Español |     Deutsch
 
> Mold Prevention   

BREAKING THE MOLD
What Waterways Homes Is Doing To Prevent Water Infiltration And Mold In Our Homes

We believe that a higher level of testing will provide you with a higher level of comfort. Therefore, from design through construction, masonry, painting, plumbing and all installation we continually inspect and test before we let you through the door.
Mold Prevention Is Our Priority

Because moisture and mold can be very difficult to deal with, we’re setting new standards to drastically reduce and eliminate the chance of them ever appearing.
It’s a fact that mold spores continually waft through indoor and outdoor air. Left to accumulate on indoor damp spots or in excessive moisture areas, they can grow to become a serous health hazard - Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores from indoor environments. However, the most effective way to reduce or prevent indoor mold growth is by eliminating standing water or recurring moisture.

How Waterways Homes builds your home to stay dry and mold free:

  1. Windows and doors. Architectural planning and construction of windows and doors to include total waterproofing, using 100% polyurethane caulking. Dupont Tyvek flashing, and pre-cast sills designed to repel water.
  2. Roofing. Our minimum overhangs at gable or hip-roofs is 12 inches, to reduce water run-off from hitting windows and walls.
  3. Exterior Walls. Standards have been set for all exterior masonry & concrete walls. Genuine stucco has been applied to at least 5/8th inch thickness to ensure water infiltration prevention.
  4. Exterior Paint. We use the finest quality paint and ensure that it exceeds manufacturer’s minimum mil thickness for both primer and paint application.
  5. Exterior Caulking. All exterior penetrations such as light fixtures, gable vents, wall bolts, cable and telephone wiring and plumbing pipes are all professionally caulked or sealed and inspected for a neat and tight seal.
  6. Drywall Installation. Drywall has not been exposed to weather during stocking or installation and is inspected carefully to see that no signs of mold are present.
  7. Plumbing. All plumbing is inspected closely to ensure no visible damage or leakage exist, all pipes that cross furring strips are protected against nail or screw damage, tub and shower pans are ensured to hold water, and all pipes penetrating exterior walls are carefully caulked and sealed.
  8. Drainage from house. The ground around the home (grade) has been given the proper slope so as to drain water away from the home and follows the community drainage plan. All irrigation, landscaping, fences and hedges are located to not block the lot’s drainage.
  9. Final Inspections. All plumbing fixtures have been tested for at least one hour and no leaks have been detected at fixtures or exposed drain lines. Air Conditioner drip pan is checked for proper drainage. No mold stains are present in bath tile or tile grout lines. Ice Maker line at refrigerator has been tested for leaks after the appliance is installed. Shower enclosures have been embedded in a continuous layer of approved caulking All exterior electric box covers are installed with a gasket or sealed with polyurethane caulk. Final grade on side elevations prior to sod installation is 6 inches below house-finished floor and 4 inches below garage finished door.
    Professional engineering, quality construction and checkpoint inspections ensure that every potential point of water intrusion has been identified and properly sealed.

 

Waterways Home


Precautions That Waterways Homes takes to protect homeowners from water infiltration, mold and mildew:

Construction Standards Review – Waterways Homes has established special construction standards specifically aimed at eliminating all potential sources of water infiltration and the subsequent occurrence of mold or mildew within the home.

This comprehensive review includes all aspects of the construction process including building materials used, storage of those materials and the specific methods used for their installation.

Mold Prevention Checklist –This quality control checklist is used during every phase of construction to ensure that every home is built free of any mold, mildew or sources of water infiltration.

Mold & Moisture Certification – Prior to an orientation walk-through, an outside contractor inspects each home for moisture, leaks, mold, mildew and excessive humidity. A certification letter is provided to the homeowner at closing, stating that no such problems exist at the time of the walk-through and that all appropriate measures have been taken to deliver a mold-free (and leak free) home.

Purchase and Sales Agreements – These inform each Buyer about this potential problem, outlining the steps we have taken as the builder of their new home to prevent mold and mildew. They also explain what the owner can do to prevent the occurrence of old or mildew in the home.

Quality Assurance Checklist – This includes a discussion of the mold and moisture issue by a Waterways Homes representative with the buyer during our quality assurance meetings.

Orientation Walk-Through – A special brochure is presented to each buyer, outlining their new responsibilities with regard to moisture and mold in their new home.



Waterways Homes are built with the assurance that you are receiving a top quality home for now and the future. Mold prevention is just one of the many ways you can depend on us for the highest standards of craftsmanship
and service.