We often talk about “Sick Building Syndrome”—situations where the house itself causes the occupants to suffer from allergies, headaches, and respiratory issues. In Florida, the culprit is almost always moisture.
When moisture interacts with organic building materials (like wood framing), it creates a biological breeding ground. At Florida Green Building Construction, we believe the best way to treat a sick home is to never build one in the first place.
Here is how our use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) creates a defensive shield against mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses.
1. Starving the Mold
Mold needs three things to grow: spores (which are everywhere), moisture, and food.
In a traditional wood-frame home, the “food” is the house itself. The paper on drywall and the wood studs in your walls are organic materials. When high Florida humidity seeps into the wall cavity, that wood becomes a buffet for black mold and mildew.
The Florida Green Difference:
We build with concrete and high-density foam. These are inorganic materials. Even if moisture were to somehow find its way in, the mold has nothing to eat. By removing the food source, we stop the mold colony before it can start.
2. Controlling the “Viral Sweet Spot”
You might wonder: How can a wall stop a virus?
The answer lies in Humidity Control.
Bacteria, viruses, and dust mites thrive in extreme humidity levels (either too wet or too dry).
- Too Dry: Viruses (like flu) spread easier.
- Too Wet: Bacteria and mites multiply.
The healthiest range for a home is between 40% and 60% relative humidity. In this “sweet spot,” viral transmission is lowest and bacteria struggle to survive.
Because our ICF homes are so airtight and well-insulated, your HVAC system doesn’t have to fight the leakage of a drafty wood house. It can easily maintain that perfect 40-60% humidity range. By building a tighter envelope, we give you the control to create an environment where viruses and bacteria simply cannot thrive.
3. A Wall Against Pollutants
Standard wood homes “breathe,” but not in a good way. They inhale dust, exhaust fumes, and pollen through cracks, sockets, and joints. This influx of particulates can carry bacteria and irritate immune systems.
Our solid concrete walls act as a monolithic barrier. We seal the outdoors out, ensuring that the air inside your home is the air you choose to breathe—filtered, conditioned, and clean.
Why We Are “Patient Builders”
It is difficult to align ICF blocks perfectly. It takes time to pour concrete correctly. It requires patience to detail the waterproofing so that it is impenetrable.
Many builders skip these steps to save time. At Florida Green Building Construction, we are patient because we care. We know that invisible threats—like mold spores and bacteria—can be just as dangerous to your family as a hurricane.
We choose to build the healthy way, so you can live the healthy way.
Protect your health from the ground up. Contact Florida Green today to discuss a healthier future for your family.