Across the nation, school boards and parents are grappling with a concerning reality: recently constructed schools are inadvertently exposing children to mold and indoor air quality problems. These issues often stem from choices made regarding building materials, where certain porous materials become breeding grounds for mold. Leaks in roofs, walls, windows, and even plumbing failures exacerbate the problem, leading to the degradation of protective building components.
A groundbreaking book, “Are You Building a School or a Liability?” by Chris Huckabee and Kyle Montgomery, sheds light on this critical issue. The authors, affiliated with leading construction and masonry associations, emphasize the dangers of using porous, paper-based products in exterior wall systems, asserting that these materials are not only vulnerable to mold but also serve as its food source.
Huckabee, an experienced architect specializing in school construction, and Montgomery advocate for the use of “forgiving” materials – those resistant to moisture damage. They champion redundant construction techniques, designing wall systems that effectively channel moisture away from the building’s interior.
The book presents compelling case studies demonstrating how masonry solutions have successfully mitigated severe mold problems in schools. Concrete masonry block, in particular, is highlighted as a material that can be easily cleaned, dried, and is inherently resistant to mold.
Several examples detail the replacement of gypsum-based interior walls with concrete block in moisture-prone areas. In extreme cases, entire exterior walls have been replaced with masonry wall systems, a comprehensive approach termed “total masonry construction.”
“Are You Building a School or a Liability?” serves as a valuable resource for school boards, parent groups, and architectural firms involved in school construction, offering guidance on building practices that prioritize the health and safety of students.