Guide to Use of Fungicidal Sealants on Wood Building Materials InspectAPedia® -
Use of Fungicidal Sealants and Anti-Mold Coatings to Kill Mold or Prevent Mold Growth
Mold spray paints, mold prevention by painting?
This article explains the proper use of fungicidal sealants, fungicides, and mold paints or sealants to seal remaining free dust and to retard future mold growth.
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This article series explains how to clean off or remove toxic or allergenic or even just cosmetic mold found on surfaces of un-finished
wooden building materials such as framing lumber (rafters, floor joists, wall studs), and
building roof, wall, and floor sheathing such as plywood, tongue-and groove pine boards, and other structural wood surfaces
in buildings. Our page top photo shows fungicidal paint sprayed on demolition debris in a building. The debris should have been removed before this sealant was applied.
At MOLD CLEANERS - WHAT TO USE we describe the basics of how to clean off moldy building surfaces and what simple products to use.
At MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS we provide a guide to buying and using fungicidal sprays and sealants, we describe mistakes in use of mold sprays, and we define biocide, disinfectant, sanitizer and related terms.
At MOLD SPRAY SOURCES & TYPES we list suppliers of biocides, fungicidal sealants, and related mold sprays and cleanup products.
We discuss the pros and cons of using fungicidal sealants and bleach on wood surfaces and give sources and list types of those products.
We also discuss common errors made when cleaning wood surfaces, such as relying on bleach or performing expensive and
unnecessary cleaning on cosmetic black mold on wood surfaces.
3. TREAT & SEAL - cleaned building surfaces such as lumber or plywood if used indoors - an optional step to reduce retard future mold growth
Optionally, you may elect to treat cleaned lumber by coating its surfaces with a sealant intended for that
purpose and following the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Applying Fungicidal Sealants after Mold Remediation
The mold remediator/cleaner may elect to apply a fungicidal sealant such as Fosters™ 4020 or 4051, the Anabec™ two-step cleaner-sealer system,
or non-sealant fungicides
may be applied
in an effort to reduce the chances of future mold growth on the cleaned surfaces. But readers should review the advantages and warnings
about using fungicides and fungicidal sealants described next.
The photograph shown here was taken in our forensic lab during examination of a mold remediation clearance dust sample.
The
photo shows how a clear fungicidal encapsulant (mold sealant) can encompass and immobilize small particles, in this case
fragments of fiberglass insulation and sub-micron microscopic debris which were coagulated and encapsulated into now-solidified droplets of
a clear commercial mold encapsulant/sealant.
ADVANTAGES - of applying a fungicidal sealant to retard future mold growth
This photograph, taken during a mold remediation clearance inspection, shows the use of a clear fungicidal sealant
applied to previously-cleaned building framing and subflooring. The shiny coating makes evident where the coating
has been applied.
The transparent nature of the coating permits the inspector, building owner, or a subsequent buyer
of the property to view the quality of the cleaning job. Clear encapsulants have this advantage of showing the
condition of the coated surface, assuring us that the mold remediator didn't simply "spray-over" a dirty moldy
surface.
On the other hand, white or pigmented fungicidal paints and sprays are easier to detect, and it's easier to
see if the application missed any surfaces that were supposed to be coated.
Our photo (left) shows a moldy crawl space after expert cleaning, application of a clear fungicidal sealant on wood surfaces, and installation of a secure plastic barrier over a dirt and gravel crawl space floor.
Here are some advantages of using a fungicidal sealant following mold remediation
Sealants may reduce future moisture-uptake in wood, making it less quick to support future mold growth
The use of sealants after a mold cleanup project can immobilize particles left in hard to clean crevices
Fungicidal or microbial sealants contain a chemical which the manufacturers claim retard future mold growth. However the long-term chemical stability, thus the durability or "lasting power" of the chemical effects may be in doubt. I have been unable to find any long term study of the enduring effect of the fungicidal or microbial effect, and some studies, such as those done on microbially-treated fiberglass duct insulation indicate that the treatment is not long-lived.
The few remaining particles not removed by cleaning are immobilized - sprays and sealants are never a substitute for cleaning however.
WARNINGS - about using fungicidal sealants to control mold growth
Our photo (left) shows a white fungicidal sealant paint spray coating that has been applied to all surfaces in a building basement fas the last step in a mold cleanup project. The remediator did a great job of removing moldy materials, cleaning all surfaces, and leaving no demolition dust or debris in the building - all before this mold spray paint was applied.
Remember to clean: Fungicidal sealants or non-sealant fungicides should not be used as a substitute for physical cleaning of moldy or suspect surfaces and materials. Application of fungicides without cleaning risks leaving high levels of toxic or allergenic particles in the building. Even if a fungicide could "kill" every mold spore, which in our experience is unlikely, non-viable spores may still be toxic or allergenic. (See our page top photo).
Biocides or Fungicides which are not sealants have the same shortcomings as sealants and more: they are unlikely to kill 100% of their target, they do not immobilize remaining dust or debris on a surface and they do not provide future moisture resistance.
Possible health risks of fungicides and disinfectants: If your contractor is planning to use a disinfectant or fungicide on building surfaces be sure to review the chemicals to be used as possible irritants or hazards themselves. The remediation industry is of mixed opinion regarding the efficacy and advisability of using such treatments.
Some people have allergic reaction to these chemicals. The contractor should be asked to provide documentation identifying the chemical(s) used, the concentration and manner of application, and the areas where they were applied, as well as providing pertinent health information from the manufacturer, as some occupants or owners may prefer to avoid these chemicals.
Directory of Producers of Mold Remediation Products, Fungicidal Sprays, Sealants, Biocides, Washes
We have no financial interest in any of these products. This data was discovered by internet search. We have no
independent scientific data as yet regarding the effectiveness, toxicity, chemical composition, nor durability of these products.
Anabec Systems - 9393 Main St. • P.O. Box 433 • Clarence, NY 14031 see http://www.anabec.com/index.cfm Tel: 800-369-8463 Anabec NG2000™ and Bioshield BST Protectant RTU75™ are also products used in mold remediation projects.
Bioshield BST - Bioshield Technologies - Bio Shield Technologies
P.O. Box 15,
Clarks Summit, Pa 18411, Tel: 717-489-1728
Fax - 717-489-0228
Email – info@bioshieldtech.com
Web – www.bioshieldtech.com - http://www.bioshieldtech.com/Contact-Us-a/138.htm The company indicates that it
"... offer a wide assortment of ... antimicrobial and personal protection products .... We work with only the industry’s leading manufacturers—DuPont, Agion, Discovery Medical, Anabec Systems, Woodward Labs, ..."
Fiberlok Technologies, Tel: 800-342-3755 - http://www.fiberlock.com/products/8360.html
MSDS sheets for the company's products can be found at http://www.fiberlock.com/products/msds.html
The company refers website visitors to a dealer locator network and states
"In the event you are unable to locate a distributor near you, please call us at 1-800-342-3755 "
Foster Products, 1105 Frontenac St., Aurora IL 60504, Tel: 800-231-9541, Email: fosterproducts@hbfuller.com - http://www.fosterproducts.com/ -
MSDS sheets for the company's products can be found at http://www.fosterproducts.com/default.aspx?PageID=msds
Microban Antimicrobial Products - http://www.microban.com/. The company indicates that
"Microban® antimicrobial protection is built-in to products during manufacturing to provide continuous antimicrobial product protection. Microban protection can be found in hundreds of consumer, industrial and medical products around the world."
Protex 63, Trask Research, W.M. Barr, P.O. Box 1879, Memphis, TN 38101, - http://www.traskresearch.com/contact.html -
Tel: 1-866-370-2499 The company indicates that
"Protex 63 is an EPA registered fungicidal sealant that seals against mold, mildew, and green algae" and
"Protex™ 63 is a durable, sealant and coating that resists mold, mildew and algal growth. Protex™ dries clear and does not affect the appearance of most surfaces. Protex™ is especially formulated for exterior use."
MSDS data sheets are available from the manufacturer.
Rocima™40, produced by Dow Chemical Company's subsidiary Rohm and Haas, is a
"Broad spectrum, non-metallic liquid fungicide for a wide variety of fungal organisms"
http://www.rohmhaas.com/wcm/products/product_detail.page?display-mode=tds&product=1120851
The MSDS can be found at http://www.rohmhaas.com/wcm/products/product_detail.page?display-mode=msds&product=1120851
Other Mold Cleaning Products, Paint Additives, Fungicidal Sealants, Paints, Coatings
Waterglass (Sodium Silicate) used as a binder in paints may also be a possible coating. It is water soluble and
produces a "heat resistant and intumescent" film. However to date we have no data regarding its use in this
application.
Readers and product suppliers are welcome Contact Us by email (please do not telephone) to suggest additional products to this list and to provide technical literature on product use and effectiveness.
Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.
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Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Kansas State University, department of plant pathology, extension plant pathology web page on wheat rust fungus: see http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/path-ext/factSheets/Wheat/Wheat%20Leaf%20Rust.asp
"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home",
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
Allergen Tests in buildings advice about how to test, what to look for, in evaluating the level of dog, cat, or other animal allergens in a building
"IgG Food Allergy Testing by ELISA/EIA, What do they really tell us?" Sheryl B. Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, Clinical Laboratory Director, Bastyr University Natural Health Clinic - ELISA testing accuracy: Here is an example of Miller's critique of ELISA
http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/282.cfm - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
The critique included in that article raises compelling questions about IgG testing assays, which prompts our interest in actually screening for the presence of high levels of particles that could carry allergens - dog dander or cat dander in the case at hand.
http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html contains similar criticism in another venue but interestingly by the same author, Sheryl Miller. Sheryl Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, is an Immunologist and Associate Professor of Basic and Medical Sciences at Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington. She is also the Laboratory Director of the Bastyr Natural Health Clinic Laboratory.
Allergens: Testing for the level of exposure to animal allergens is discussed at http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/animalallergy/diagnosis.shtml (lab animal exposure study is interesting because it involves a higher exposure level in some cases
Allergens: WebMD discusses allergy tests for humans at webmd.com/allergies/allergy-tests
Animal Allergens: Dog, Cat, and Other Animal Dander - Cleanup & Prevention Information for Asthmatics and regarding Indoor Air Quality.
Recognizing Allergens: What various indoor allergens look like - identification photos to help identify pollen, dust mites, animal dander, toxic or allergenic mold - Common Mold and other Allergens, Irritants, Remedies & Advice
Rodent control issues, including dander, fecal, and urine contamination of buildings and Building insulation are discussed at our
Associations: Sick House, Sick Building, SBS - Air Quality, Government, Private Associations and Information Resources
Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 2nd Ed., GS deHoog, J Guarro, J Gene, & MJ Figueras, Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 2000, ISBN 90-70351-43-9 (you can buy this book at Amazon)
Atlas of Indoor Mold, Online Clinical Mold Atlas, Toxins, Pathogens, Allergens and Other Indoor Particles - Medical Health Effects of Mold (separate online document)
Black Mold that is Harmless Photos of recognizable, usually harmless black mold on wood, bluestain, ceratocystis, ophistoma
Building Floods: quick steps after a building flood or plumbing leak can prevent costly mold contamination
Classes of Mold: what types of cosmetic, allergenic, or toxic mold are a problem? Can mold be cleaned-up successfully?
"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
"Disease Prevention Program for Certain Vegetable Crops," David B. Langston, Jr., Extension Plant Pathologist - Vegetables, University of Georgia (PDF document) original source: www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/209797.html
"Disease Prevention in Home Vegetable Gardens,"
Patricia Donald,
Department of Plant Microbiology and Pathology,
Lewis Jett
Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension - extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6202
Fifth Kingdom, Bryce Kendrick, ISBN13: 9781585100224, is available from the InspectAPedia online bookstore - we recommend the CD-ROM version of this book. This 3rd/edition is a compact but comprehensive encyclopedia of all things mycological. Every aspect of the fungi, from aflatoxin to zppspores, with an accessible blend of verve and wit. The 24 chapters are filled with up-to-date information of classification, yeast, lichens, spore dispersal, allergies, ecology, genetics, plant pathology, predatory fungi, biological control, mutualistic symbioses with animals and plants, fungi as food, food spoilage and mycotoxins.
OTHER IAQ ISSUES: How To Find and Address Other Indoor Air or Indoor Environment Contaminants Besides Mold
Mold or allergens may not be the only or even the main indoor environmental contaminant. Don't let media attention to mold
cause so much enviro-scare fear that other, possibly more urgent hazards go un-addressed.
Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold"
remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
Pet control - if you can't say goodbye to your bird, cat, dog, guinea pig, hamster, tropical fish, then limit the
areas they occupy and limit the airflow from that area to sleeping or other areas of the building, use allergenic
bedding, eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting, improve housecleaning including use of a HEPA-rated vacuum cleaner. For more details
see our article Dog, Cat, and Other Animal Dander - Information for Asthmatics and Indoor Air Quality
Rodents, Mice, Squirrel Control - I find high levels of mouse and rodent dander, fecal dust, and urine-contaminated dust in some buildings,
and high levels of these materials in building insulation in those locations. If you have a mouse problem, particularly if mice and their waste (fecals or urine) are contaminating
the building HVAC or building insulation, may need both steps to clean up or remove infected materials and steps to stop an ongoing
rodent problem. If squirrels are a problem, the cleanup needs to include closing off entry openings into the building. Get some
help from a licensed pest control expert.
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