Material specific isopleth-systems as valuable tools for the assessment of the durability of building materials against mould infestation - the "isopleth-traffic light"

Information on the resistance of building materials against microbiological infestation is of great interest in material development/optimization for the construction of new buildings or for remediation since humidity and mould have been recognized as important health hazards. A valuable tool for the comparative durability assessment of materials against mould infestation is the so-called material specific isopleths system. It specifies the combinations of temperature and relative humidity under which it is infestation tolerant or not. If a certain material is characterized according to its resistance against unwanted growth of mould, the range of environmental conditions in which it can be used is clearly defined. Ia a practical approach the material specific isopleths systems can be used as a mould resistance indicator system analogue to a "traffic light". It is possible to distinguish between a range of conditions under which mould growth is likely to occur ("red"), and another range under which mould growth cannot be completely excluded ("yellow"), as well as finally a range under which no growth is to be expected ("green"). Not only different methods against fungal infestation can be evaluated, e.g. the use of biocides. The data acquired provide for product development an additional and new tool and also give planners and users additional security.