Mold vs. Blu: Blu wins

[Guest guest]

Posted on Sat, May. 28, 2005

Mold vs. Blu: Blu wins

Builders first here to use new moisture-resistant wood

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/business/11758014.htm

MELISSA FOLLOWELL

Herald Staff Writer

EAST MANATEE - Pulling up to La Maison's new home site in Greenfield

Plantation, one might think the Smurfs were moving in.

Parrish-based La Maison has become the first builder in Florida to

build a

home using a new product that aims to keep wood and other building

materials free of moisture.

The Perfect Barrier system, also known as Blu Wood, is the latest

way

new home buyers can safeguard their homes.

La Maison President Dukovac was intrigued when he first heard

of a

product that reportedly could eliminate some of Florida's biggest

construction issues - mold and wood-eating insects.

" It's going to be one of the biggest things in the building

industry, "

Dukovac said.

The product, which can be applied to all building surfaces, was

created by

Boca Raton's Morando.

" Lumber is the most vulnerable between the time it's cut and

delivered to

the site, " Morando said.

Tests show the treated blu wood can be exposed to the elements for a

maximum of six months without further treatment.

Mike of Lakeland's Mid-State Truss Company had been looking for

a product to market after hearing stories of people being forced out

of

their homes by mold.

The first product treatment center opened in Myrtle Beach, S.C., two

years

ago and a second was added in Dallas. A third center is coming soon

to

Winter Haven, said.

" The demand snowballs once we are in an area, " said.

The vapor-permeable coating allows moisture to escape from the wood,

but prevents outside moisture from seeping in. Applying Perfect

Barrier at

the factory ensures quality control and with that comes a lifetime

warranty

that transfers from owner to owner.

Using Blu Wood as the framework for a house costs more than using

untreated wood. estimates it may cost as much as $2 to $3 more

a

square foot on a wood-framed home, but may run substantially less in

the

more common concrete block home.

Tom Sprinkle, director of sales and marketing for La Maison, sees

the

technique as a wave of the future. He believes about 25 percent of

the

homes the company builds during the next year will incorporate the

Perfect

Barrier system.

" People are going to start seeing the benefits far outweigh the

cost, "

Sprinkle said.

Followell, Herald reporter, can be reached at 708-7920 or

mfollowell@....