Mold is a bigger issue in Texas than people realize and it’s something that’s become a point of fixation for me after living abroad where it’s taken more seriously. Because we are a landlocked prairie, it might seem like mold can’t thrive in our homes. I lived in a mold filled rental, I’ve worked in moldy libraries, and taught in moldy school buildings where I was always ill. Turns out, I’m allergic to mold and mildew and I easily contract chest infections, or deep, unresolved coughing that prevents me from breathing, from the exposure. I’ve come to realize the worst issues come from the A/C system or the bathroom. In a tiny house ADU, the remedy is within reach if renting, or while it’s being built for owners.
Have a Pleasant Day!
-Rae
ANTIMICROBIAL PRODUCTS
Similar to the previous post on fire prevention, there are products meant for wall application that double as a fire retardant and mold prevention. The antimicrobial properties of the products prevent mold from growing and this includes quality Limewash, Venetian Plaster, or Micro-cement.
I would only purchase products and arrange application from a professional, who are often certified, because the process is more likely to be higher in quality. Retail products might be acrylic paint made to look like the finish of Limewash without including the lime and marble particles needed to prevent mold and fire. Imagine a tiny bathroom with the smooth, visually fluid, finish of plaster on the walls and ceiling. Beauty and peace of mind.
It is recommended by experts that bathrooms receive a full renovation every 8 to 10 years to preserve the health of the building and its occupants. For an ADU, this is easier due to the small space, and a plaster treatment might push this need a little further back.
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MOLD KILLING PRODUCTS
It seems like mold is usually BEHIND the wall and tiles before seeping onto the visible surface. In this case, building an ADU has the advantage that you can stop mold from the bones out. However, I believe that an ADU that is pre-built can be pretreated with moldicide on the visible surface of walls, floors, etc with the same products.
Certain varieties of raw wood have the advantage of being naturally resistant to mold, like cedar. Other types of wood can be treated with a clear varnish designed to stop or kill mold and mildew growth. Staining the wood a beautiful color keeps it water resistant, but a clear sealant can be placed over it to prolong the safety of aesthetically appealing floors and shiplap treatments which are popular design choices in tiny homes. An unimposing clear varnish might be more bang-for-the-buck because it can be used on visible surfaces indoors and outdoors like decks and hardwood floors. The pink waterproof sealant used in most bathrooms seems like a better use for behind the scenes surfaces like subfloors and stud walls.
There are also moldicide primers and primer-paint options intended for drywall that can be tinted to any color. Two thin coats on the wall matched to the existing color on a pre-build ADU could do wonders for peace of mind. It doesn’t cost much more than a typical gallon of paint and looks exactly the same. I like to say, ‘House paint should have a purpose!’
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VARATHANE, Finish, Exterior, Clear Finish - Grainger
Minwax Helmsman 63210 Spar Urethane, Semi-Gloss, Clear - DK Hardware
BEHR PREMIUM 1 gal. All-In-One Wood and Deck Cleaner 06301N - The Home Depot
RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention
Zinsser 1 gal. Flat Bright White Ceiling Paint and Primer in One - The Home Depot
GROUT SEALING
Black mold growing behind sparkling tiles is an issue most of us dread for the future. But, there are ways I’ve tried preventing this from happening in my former ADU. Filling gaps in the grout and sealing the grout is essential, especially in bathrooms where moisture is constant. After attempting the feat myself with silicon, I contacted an expert who could match the grout color and complete a smooth finish. With the modern trend of bringing tiles all the way to the countertop in kitchens, where spills and drips are never ending, treating the grout is essential. There are several kinds of sealant from clear sprays to silicon substances similar to paste. If the tile is fine marble or antique, a professional assessing and repairing the grout annually might not be a bad idea.
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AIR FILTERS
Mold spores gently floating through the air is one of the few things to which I am deathly allergic. Capturing mold through filters is essential for my health and luckily, it can be done several ways. Mini split heating and cooling systems are most common in ADUs and come with powerful filters, but there is more that can be done within the space. I’ve had amazing luck with tabletop air filters in tiny spaces, and I imagine a more powerful unit can deter even more airborne mold. Mold within the mini split, or behind/ontop of the wall caused by drips or leaks, is a huge hazard in itself. Treating the stud wall with sealant and drywall with moldicide paint/primer from the above section is wise and it’s something I did when I noticed my former ADU unit spewing water. Annual maintenance on the mini split itself by a professional is necessary and I researched the manufacturer to secure a consultation by a certified worker.
Dehumidifiers are next on my wish list for Spring months and the bathroom. While I think it should be mandatory that bathrooms have windows that open to circulate airflow to prevent mold, a dehumidifier works wonders when privacy or time is pressing.
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Argendon Commercial Dehumidifier